An annual handbag appeal has raised £7,293 to boost the charity Manx Cancer Help.

The money was raised at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, where a team from Conister Bank set up a stall selling new and secondhand handbags donated by the public.

The team also staged a raffle, with prizes contributed by island businesses.

It was the fourth year in a row that Conister has run the appeal, all proceeds of which go directly to the charity.

For 35 years, Manx Cancer Help has been providing mental health support to people affected by cancer, both the person diagnosed and their loved ones.

This help, such as one-to-one psychological therapy sessions, is available for free, without a waiting list, and for as long as people need it.

The handbag appeal is managed by Conister marketing manager Kerry Waddington who, as a cancer survivor herself, understands the invaluable service provided by Manx Cancer Help.

Kerry said: ’As ever, this was a real community effort, from the people who donated their handbags to those who came along to the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and snapped up bags on the day, not to mention the local businesses who worked with us and generously donated designer handbags. We’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone for helping us to make a difference.’

Gareth Nicholson of Manx Cancer Help said: ’We were truly delighted to work with the Conister team on the handbag appeal. It’s always great fun and our 2017 total shows how this event becomes more popular each year. The money raised will provide funding for approximately 90 one-to-one therapy sessions. Dealing with cancer takes its toll on mental, as well as physical health, so we’re thankful the stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing.’