The Manx Lottery Trust has given a grant of £25,000 to Rushen Heritage Trust to fund a freelance heritage coordinator.

Author and former Isle of Man Newspapers journalist John Quirk continues in the role.

The money, which has come from the Manx Lottery Trust Dormant Asset Fund, will allow the organisation to enhance its current and future exhibitions and other projects, with an aim to attract volunteers and visitors to the south from across the Isle of Man and beyond.

Rushen Heritage Trust began in 2014. It has organised eight exhibitions, attracting more than 10,000 visitors and building an online following of more than 2,500.

Staffed by volunteers, the organisation has also published five books and organised a series of talks each year.

Last year the trust opened its Rushen Heritage and Visitor Centre in Bridson Street, Port Erin, and part of the grant is to help it stage six mini exhibitions at the centre each year.

Chairman of Rushen Heritage Trust Doreen Moule said: ’We are so grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for its help and support and are excited to see what new opportunities this funding will bring to our team and the local community.

’Rushen Heritage Trust is one of the very few island heritage trusts with a paid coordinator.

At the outset, the founding board decided that it was essential to have a part-time coordinator, who works on a freelance basis.

’This has proven to be correct, with the role greatly contributing to the trust’s success over the years.

’Previously, the coordinator role has been funded by private donors but after eight years of support that commitment is coming to an end, so it is fantastic to have this additional support secured.’

Manx Lottery Trust chairman Sarah Kelly added: ’We are pleased to offer our support to Rushen Heritage Trust which works hard to promote its local area. We hope this will help the trust continue to provide excellent exhibitions for future visitors.’