Shoprite has held a fundraising day at its 11 stores around the island to raise cash for a centre used by people with learning difficulties.

Events included a staff dress down day as well as competitions to win Shoprite vouchers and prizes donated by Ramsey Bakery, Robinson’s, Isle of Man Creameries and Ferrero Rocher.

Gillian Harvey, from Shoprite, said: ’We would like to thank all of our customers for their generosity in helping us to raise a fantastic £5,000 towards Project 21.’

Project 21 was established in 2000. Five Manx charities, Manx Mencap, Down’s Syndrome Isle of Man, Autism in Mann, Manx Gateway and the Special Olympics Isle of Man decided to build a centre for people with learning difficulties.

The building was handed over at the end of July 2007 and since then the centre, named Centre 21, has been in use by various charities, and as a result many of these charities have been able to extend the range of activities they can offer their members from drama and music to all kinds of sport.

Pictured from left, Richard Wild (Shoprite), Karen Peers (Shoprite), Davide Ruggiero (Shoprite), Sean Greham (Project 21) and Jason Kelch (Shoprite).