A joint ’birthday’ celebration for the Great Laxey Wheel and Chrystals estate agents was described as a great success.

The Douglas firm teamed up with charity Manx National Heritage.

It was the 165th anniversary of both the island’s oldest estate agents and the wheel.

Both opened in 1854.

Chrystals staff and representatives of Manx National Heritage marked the occasion with a joint photo call and birthday cake in the backdrop of the Great Laxey Wheel.

Manx National Heritage will soon be launching its 1854 fundraising campaign, seeking support from companies and individuals of £1,854 to tie in with the anniversary.

The donations will go towards the development of new visitor facilities at the Laxey Wheel including accessible toilet provision.

Chrystals is the first company to donate £1,854 to the campaign and will be recognised along with fellow donors within the new visitors centre.

Manx National Heritage fundraising manager, Kevin Byrne, said: ’We were delighted to work with Chrystals to celebrate the joint birthdays of The Laxey Wheel and Chrystals.

’Improving visitor facilities at the iconic Laxey Wheel is a top priority for Manx National Heritage over the next few years and having Chrystals’ support to kick start the campaign is greatly appreciated’.

Shane Magee, chairman of Chrystals, said: ’We were delighted to mark the 165th anniversary of the oldest property firm on the island, at such a unique historical site that shares the same birthday.

’It is easy to let such occasions pass by without reference to our company’s history.

’My fellow directors and staff are delighted that Chrystals are the first corporate sponsor to support the proposed Manx National Heritage 1854 Laxey Wheel Visitor Centre Campaign.’

The Great Laxey Wheel or Lady Isabella (as she is also known) is the largest working waterwheel in the world and a hugely important part of Manx National Heritage’s portfolio of historic sites on the island.

A brilliant example of Victorian engineering, she was built in 1854 to pump water from the Laxey mines.

A climb to the top is rewarded with panoramic views across the Laxey Valley, accessible by the 94 steps to the top.

To find out more about fundraising for Manx National Heritage or to support the 1854 Laxey Wheel Visitor Centre appeal, contact Kevin Byrne on 648013 or [email protected]