Manx traditional dance group Perree Bane has been given £720 for new jackets for the group’s female dancers by the Manx Lottery Trust.

The group, which came into existence in 1982, means white jacket in Manx Gaelic.

They perform at events around the island and at festivals and competitions further afield.

The group has around 50 members with a children’s section, which also performs as a group.

They wear traditional clothing for performances, a white jacket, Loaghtan wool trousers for the men, a blue skirt, white blouse and red jacket for the women and similar for the younger members.

Because the women’s jackets were becoming old and worn, the group applied to the Manx Lottery Trust for help with replacements.

The grant has funded eight new jackets.

John Dowling from Perree Bane said: ’We really appreciate the support from Manx Lottery Trust as we look to promote the Manx identity and culture through traditional dance, music and song.

’The traditional clothing is such an important aspect of our performances and a key part of Perree Bane’s identity, so we’re delighted to secure the funding for new women’s jackets.’

Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust Sarah Kelly said: ’Perree Bane does a wonderful job of keeping traditional dance alive and we are pleased to support the dancers with this grant.’

Manx Lottery Trust’s small grant programme provides community funding between £300 and £2,500.

Information can be found at www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes.