A Catholic priest has raised thousands for charity - by growing a beard.

Monsignor John Devine was sponsored by congregations from the parishes of St Mary of the Isle in Douglas, St Joseph’s in Willaston and St Anthony’s in Onchan.

At the time the Manx Independent went to press yesterday (Wednesday), they had raised a remarkable £9,215 with the church saying money is still coming in.

The money pledged is to be divided equally between the Manx Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and support for the Rohingya refugees in Myanmar (formerly Burma), represented by Captain Simon Clampton and Mr Damian Peter.

Father Devine said: ’This sum is far, far more than I ever dreamed of. Money raised has been divided between these two worthwhile causes. When people are confronted with genuine need their response is amazing.

’The Rohingya people are a persecuted Muslim minority in a Buddhist majority country.

’About 600,000 have fled an officially orchestrated campaign of murder, terror and rape and are now living in terrible conditions in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

’As Catholics we express our solidarity with the oppressed, whatever their faith background.’

He continued: ’Good ecumenical relations between the Christian churches have developed to the point where we can support each other in what we do best.

’The Salvation Army do a fantastic job serving the vulnerable and most needy in our community, not just at Christmas but all the year round.’

The Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) is the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The charity works in collaboration with other aid agencies such as Oxfam and Christian Aid to ensure funds reach the refugee camps where they are most needed.

Asked if he would be keeping his beard, Father Devine replied: ’For the time being, yes, unless I get fed up with it!’