Hartlepool RNLI nets donation after national Police fishing competition.

The competition was the 46^th National Police Sport UK National Boat Fishing Championship and was held between Hartlepool and Seaham and 5 miles out to sea with140 anglers, representing 21 out of the 43 UK police forces taking part on 12 local boats. The boats left Hartlepool Marina and Kafiga Landings for the 6 hour competition.

Points were awarded for different species and the number of fish caught. 18 different species of fish were caught during the catch and release competition over the 6 hours.

Kev Woodcock, Secretary of Durham Police Sea Angling Club presented Hartlepool RNLI Mechanic, Gary Waugh with a cheque for £1,000 said ‘The money was raised by raffling prizes donated by sponsors and it was unanimously decided to donate the money to the RNLI at Hartlepool. The competition was a great success and was enjoyed by all the anglers who travelled from all over the UK.

Mike Craddy, Hartlepool RNLI Operations Manager, said ‘Our thanks go to Kev and his fellow Police anglers for their kind donation. The RNLI relies totally on voluntary contributions such as this to help save lives at sea.’

Notes to editors

Picture Caption –

1              Kev Woodcock presents a cheque for £1000 to Hartlepool RNLI Mechanic Gary Waugh

• Hartlepool lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org/hartlepool

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Malcolm Wallis, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07538 006694 or [email protected] or Alison Levett RNLI Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668912 or [email protected] contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.