The Manx Lottery Trust has awarded £10,000 to Foxdale’s heritage centre.

The centre is in the old railway station building next to Foxdale School and dates back to 1886.

The funding, from the Manx Lottery Trust, will be used to renovate it and make the building structurally secure.

The centre was opened in 2004, having previously been the Foxdale community centre, and opens once a month, annually as part of the Manx National Heritage open days and, periodically, in conjunction with walks and visits organised by railway enthusiasts.

It is also opened when specifically requested by individuals or groups.

Foxdale School pupils have used the centre to collect interesting facts and information for history projects.

Supporters have also been invited into the school to deliver presentations on the history and heritage of Foxdale.

The secretary of the Foxdale Heritage Centre, Stuart Lambie, said: ’We are delighted to be awarded such a generous grant from the trustees of Manx Lottery Trust.

’The centre is an integral part of Foxdale’s heritage, so the funding will go a long way towards ensuring that we can continue to open to the public and educate visitors on our history.

’Our heritage evenings have been very well attended and received positive feedback, and we are hopeful that the improvements will encourage even more people to attend such events.’

Manx Lottery Trust chairman Sarah Kelly added: ’Foxdale Heritage Centre plays an important role in telling the story of our Island’s rich history, and we were very pleased to support the renovation.’