Isle of Man Bank's annual cycling event, Tour des Branches, raised a new record amount of ?7,200, to be split between three charities.

The event, where staff members and invited guests cycled to raise large sums of money for charity, took place in May.

A total of 75 cyclists took part this year – the highest ever number. When the event was launched in 2008, just five took part.

Isle of Man Bank Managing Director Bill Shimmins, who was among the cyclists, said: ‘We’re delighted that we managed to raise more than last year and the money will be distributed to very deserving local charities.’

‘On behalf of the bank, I would like to thank everyone who organised and took part in what is now a big charity fundraising event for the bank.’

Cyclists covered a 100 mile route - starting and finishing at Royal Bank House in Douglas - which involved calling in at all Isle of Man Bank, RBS International and NatWest branches in the Island, and raised money by way of individual sponsorship.

There were three routes for those taking part. Those liking the toughest challenge took on some of the Island’s toughest peaks, while others stuck to what is now regarded as the traditional route. In addition, this year there was a ‘taster’ route, for less experienced cyclists - a mere 77 miles!

The ?7,200 raised will be split evenly between Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, Hospice Isle of Man and The Children’s Centre.

As in previous years, RBS International’s Chief Executive Adrian Gill travelled from Jersey to join the Tour des Branches.  The name of the event derives from the Tour de France and the idea was to pay tribute to the stage-winning successes of Manx star Mark Cavendish.

Pictured, left to right, are Mark Eastham, The Children’s Centre, Paul Healey of Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, with his children Thomas and Phoebe, Paula Lunt of CHF, Isle of Man Bank Managing Director Bill Shimmins, Mary Doyle of Hospice Isle of Man, and Paul Warburton, Relationship Manager at Coutts