Barclays Wealth and Investment Management employees have been raising money for farmers in the Isle of Man with two “Great Barclays Bake-Off” events.

More than 50 tasty treats were baked and sold during two events held in April and May, raising ?427. Barclays Wealth and Investment Management matched the proceeds pound-for-pound, bringing the grand total to ?854.

The money will be given to the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Fund to help assist farmers affected by the heavy snow earlier this year. In late March much of the Island was covered by deep snow, closing roads and limiting access to farmland. Despite efforts to recover livestock, hundreds of cattle and sheep died. The conditions also damaged farm buildings, fences and land, as well as impacting on crops.

Chair of the Barclays Isle of Man Charity Committee Stuart Nelson said: ‘After the glorious weather we enjoyed during the TT race week, it is easy to forget the impact the March snowfall had on the Island.’

‘While for many of us it is simply a memory, there are farmers who are still feeling the effect, due to the loss of livestock and damage to their land. The Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Fund is providing assistance to these farmers, and I’m really proud of everyone who got involved in the Bake-Off events, baking cakes and buying them, to help the fund continue its important work.’

There was a special surprise for employees at Eagle Court in Douglas during one of the Bake-Off days when Larry the Lamb, one of the orphaned lambs rescued during the snow, called in for a visit.

Photo - Kelly Wright (left) and Madeleine McCrory, Analysts at Barclays, with Larry Lamb