Nationalist party Mec Vannin has made a £500 donation to the Isle of Man Foodbank.

Members voted to give the party’s surplus cash to the charity and expressed ’growing concern’ about the increasing numbers of people using the non-profit service.

Chairman Mark Kermode said donations were part of the social ethos of the party and the Isle of Man Foodbank was the obvious choice.

Mec Vannin has been thanked by the charity and party members invited to visit its headquarters at Cronkbourne.

Mark Kermode, the party’s chairman, said: ’We would urge those in a position to help as we are sure exta donations will be required to meet the need during the winter months. We will be asking members to help out. Individuals, money raising organisations, public donations and businesses, can all do their bit, as well as personal donations of goods at the supermarket outlets, all have a valuable part to play.

’The Manx public is renowned for its generosity so, as we approach the most difficult time of year, the need becomes more vital. We hope that people will not have to choose between heating and eating, parents will not have to go without so their children can eat and children do not go to school without breakfast.

’If we all do what we can manage it will make a significant difference, We cannot call ourselves a civilised society if we do nothing. If you are in a position to help, find out more at this link to this vital charity.’

Changes to taxation, not to the population will help the island’s economy according to nationalist party Mec Vannin.

The Manx government’s policy ’grow the island’s economically active’ population’ has come under fire from the group, who claim it’s an ’obsession which has never worked in the past’.

At a meeting this week the party discussed the subject and some possible alternative policies, which included the introduction of a single rate of income tax.

Mec Vannin does not field candidates in elections.