Manx charity Beach Buddies say they have taken a big step forward in acquiring the Winkie lighthouse at the Point of Ayre.

Over ?7,000 of donations have so far been pledged, its believed the unique property will sell for at least the ?10,000 asking price in the next month.

The charity had issued an appeal to the local community to support the purchase of the lighthouse, which it says would be the perfect location for a northern base for Beach Buddies.

Beach Buddies chairman Bill Dale said, “When the news of the lighthouse sale was released late last week I didn’t want to allow it to pass without Beach Buddies expressing an interest. This is a unique property, and we thought it would be ideal if it were to have a future that would see it still acting as a guardian of the marine environment.”

“I’ll be honest, our charity simply doesn’t have the money to buy this property, so we are appealing to anyone who might want to see this lighthouse used for a truly decent and genuine purpose to consider buying it in association with our registered charity.”

“Our Visitor Centre at Niarbyl has proved to be a major success, but we also appreciate we need to have a presence elsewhere. The lighthouse at the Point of Ayre would be ideal for a northern base, and promote the long-term aims of the charity to raise awareness across all communities to urge a need to do something very soon to address the enormous problem of marine litter in the world’s oceans."

“It would also guarantee that the Point of Ayre and the coastline in that area, one of the worst affected by marine litter, would have constant attention, especially considering its importance for marine life and seabirds." He added, “We would very much appreciate the support of any individual or company to join with us is helping us acquire this property to further enhance the work we are doing, and want to further expand, in the Isle of Man and further afield.” To get in touch with Beach Buddies send an email to beachbuddies@manx.net or phone 496560.