A shop business in the south of the island has launched an appeal for help in connection with its impending 30th birthday.

Port Erin’s Mantons Cards will be celebrating three decades later this year and the owner is searching for any old photos people may have of Mantons or the building before Mantons opened.

The photos will be used as part of a window display, a video, a feature in a national trade magazine as well as featuring across Mantons social media profiles.

Owner Chris Beards said: ’Originally a private home, the building, in Station Road, is well over 100 years old and we know of several uses including a guest house and a bakery.

’As well as seeing the photos we would love to learn a bit more about the history of the building, together with celebrating our 30th birthday.’

’Part of the birthday celebrations will be a thank you to all the team for all their fantastic commitment over the last few years, including our previous team members who have also made such a large contribution to the success of Mantons. We would also like to say a special thank you to our customers, for their amazing support.’

Opened in December 1987 by Tony Manton (now retired) the business was taken over in 2008 by Debbie and Chris Beards who have since expanded the retail area, installed a new shop front, completely re-fitted the shop and created a more open and modern feel with work including removing supporting walls.

As well as extra space for customers the works have enabled Mantons to add more quality greeting cards and gifts to its award winning ranges, most of which are exclusive to Mantons on the Isle of Man.

Since 2010 Mantons has won 16 national awards including the British Independent Retailers Association’s ’Independent Retailer of the Year’, plus being named as one of the top 100 small businesses in the UK in 2015 and winning the BIRA Hero Award for fundraising and community work in 2016.

During their 30th Anniversary year, Mantons have already reached three national finals of major awards, been named as the runner up in ’The Retail Team of the Year Awards’ and hope to have further award success throughout the year.

Any photos can be posted, dropped off in store or emailed to [email protected]