An organisation with strong Isle of Man links has been named charity of the year at the United Kingdom's annual awards.

'Excellent Development' was founded by Manx-born Simon Maddrell and the Isle of Man government has been a consistent supporter of its work in Kenya.

The group helps people in the east African country to sustainably transform their environments by building sand dams, planting trees and creating terraced land, to improve soil and water conservation and increase food production.

Last year the Manx government gave the charity almost ?27,000 and ten young people from the Island went to work on dam projects.

There will be an interview with Simon Maddrell on Mandate tomorrow morning.

(Picture: A kenyan farmer who has benefited from the work of Excellent Development. Her story is featured on the charity's website, excellentdevelopment.com).