Simon and an 'excellent' idea

An aid project founded by a Manxman to conserve water in dry Kenyan villages has been named the United Kingdom's 'Charity of the Year'.

The award has gone to Excellent Development and its founder Simon Maddrell, who was brought up in Grenaby.

From humble beginnings six years ago, the charity now has an annual turnover of over £600,000 thanks partly to grants from the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Fund.

Simon (pictured) told Manx Radio an African friend had the idea to create more fertile land by building sand dams.

He says it's a simple but ingenious scheme, and it works: