Customers and staff of Isle of Man Bank have raised ?9,500 for the Agricultural Benevolent Fund to go towards helping farmers hard hit by the worst snowfall for over half a century.

Senior Bank Manager Deniese Smith explained: 'We can all identify with the heartbreak and financial difficulties experienced by the farming community as a result of the appalling March weather.  Consequently, Isle of Man Bank decided to initiate a fund-raising process to try and assist the industry.

'Local residents rallied round as always but, quite frankly, we were amazed at the amount raised in such a short time.  The money has been presented to the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust and will be distributed to farmers.'

Collecting boxes were placed in Bank branches throughout the Island and ?5,562 was produced by customer donations.  Isle of Man Bank's Social Committee added ?1,500, representing the proceeds of the annual ball and other events held in aid of charity.  Finally, the Bank itself contributed a further ?2,500 via its Community Investment Programme making a final total of ?9,562.

A cheque was presented to Benevolent Trust secretary Jonathan Corlett at a ceremony in the Bank.  Said Mr. Corlett: 'The Agricultural Benevolent Trust is very grateful to the Isle of Man Bank staff and customers who have so generously donated such an enormous sum of money to the industry for what has proved to be one of the worst snow or weather related disasters to affect Manx agriculture in living memory.'

Photo - Left to right: Lindsay Leece, Isle of Man Bank Business Manager; Nicki McMullin, Manager Premium Banking; Jonathan Corlett, Secretary of the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust; and Deniese Smith, Senior Bank Manager.