Sure has linked up with Comic Relief to ensure Island residents can donate money, via text message, on Red Nose Day.

This Friday’s event hopes to raise millions of pounds for people in need in the UK and Africa.

Until now, Isle of Man residents had been unable to support celebrities such as Chris Moyles, Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole who have recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the charity.

Listeners to Radio One had been urged to text ‘climb’ to the premium rate text number 88808.

‘The fact that we’re not part of the UK means premium text numbers are not automatically available to Manx residents,’ said Simon Last-Sutton, chief executive of Sure in the Isle of Man.

‘We know that lots of people will be having fun on the day but of course there is a serious side as it’s important to be able to raise as much money as possible and I’m sure lots of people will want to make personal donations. Sure has committed to passing on 100 per cent of every donation so that the Isle of Man can be proud to know it is making a difference to thousands of lives both in the UK and in Africa,’ he said.

Two text numbers are available to Sure customers in the Isle of Man. The word ‘YES’ can be sent to the main Red Nose Day number of 66609; this makes a donation of ?5. Alternatively the word ‘CLIMB’ can be sent to 88808 which makes a ?1 donation to the Red Nose Day appeal; this focuses on the team of celebrities who have recently climbed Kilimanjaro for the charity. Manx residents can also phone the appeal on Friday night on 03457 910910.

‘Pay-as-you-go customers need to ensure they have sufficient credit before sending a text otherwise their donation won’t go through, and customers on contract will have the amount added to their bill,’ said Mr Last-Sutton.

‘All customers will be charged the standard text rate and will receive a text back from Comic Relief to thank them for their donation. We must stress that unless they receive this acknowledgement, they haven’t made a donation.’

All the money raised will be collected locally by Sure in the Isle of Man and the full amount sent on to Comic Relief once the text lines close at the end of March.