Southern Befrienders enjoyed a big bus tour around the island last week, taking in locations that brought back childhood memories for its members.

The day trip started at the charity’s headquarters atThie Rosien in Port Erin and included stops in Peel for lunch and a stroll along the prom before heading north to Mooragh Park in Ramsey.

The final stop was a visit to Rushen Abbey, in Ballasalla, where they enjoyed afternoon tea.

Southern Befrienders scheme manager Val Haslam said: ’Many of our members find it difficult to get out and about, so trips like this are great for enabling them to go to places that bring back happy memories from visits many years ago.

’This year we have been able to organise more days out thanks to a grant from Manx Telecom’s It’s Our Community scheme, which has been put towards covering transport costs.

’The grant means that we can organise more trips like this and make them more affordable for all of our members.’

â?¢ Since it began in 2008, Manx Telecom’s It’s Our Community scheme has donated tens of thousands of pounds to good causes across the island.

Applications can now be made for the 2017 scheme at www.manxtelecom.com/itsourcommunity or call Marg McGee on 636030 for a paper application form.

The deadline for applications is September 30.