Manx charity Beach Buddies is asking all other bidders for the Winkie Lighthouse at the Point of Ayre to withdraw from the bidding process as the charity is close to reaching its target of meeting the ?10,000 asking price.

Beach Buddies got a quick response to its appeal to raise the necessary money to buy the lighthouse, and confirmed it has raised ?8,000 within 48 hours.

A spokesman for the company wishing to support the Beach Buddies’ bid said, “They should let it go to Beach Buddies for the original asking price if it’s being funded by supporters’ subscription for the benefit of marine environmental purposes. Hopefully, any other interested party would do the honourable thing and stand aside so as not to bid up the price.”

Beach Buddies’ founder Bill Dale said, “This is a very kind thing to say, and it’s a sentiment which we had not considered. However, what I would say is that it would be a real shame if this iconic piece of architecture was to be bought and then it would be used perhaps very little, whereas we could genuinely make regular and frequent use of it, and massively promote the work we do around the Island."

“In particular, it would be very sad if someone wealthy bought it for a price we could not remotely compete with, and then they might use it a handful of times a year. Of course, if anyone wanted to buy the lighthouse and then give us a long lease for free use of the lighthouse then that would also be very much appreciated.”

Estate agents Black Grace Cowley are hosting an Open Day at the lighthouse from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, and believe there will be "considerable” interest in the property. It is believed that bids for the lighthouse will subsequently be accepted by tender, and a result announced later next week.