Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week sets an all-time record

Members of the organising group, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, along with crew members, heard the news from treasurer Brian Cursley, who told them:' This is a remarkable result and the figure is £5,693 up on last year.'

Guild secretary Maggie Sullivan said new events this year had proved very popular and despite poor weather at the beginning - with just one or two events being re-scheduled- it had been an exceptionally successful week.

The meeting heard that the Army's parachute display team, the Red Devils, had been extremely popular and feedback from the public had been 'terrific.'

The top ten achievers in relation to donations and participation were the water or wine stall, the programme, fireworks display, breakfast baps, the duck race, Red Devils, the book stall, yard of ale, name the yellow welly dog, and the swimming challenge.

Guild chairman Ken Lavery said: 'The hard work and dedication of all our volunteers has produced a remarkable result this year and the RNLI - the charity that saves lives at sea - will be proud of their efforts.

'The generosity of those visitors and residents who donated to our charity must also be praised.

'But there was also sadness, and we pay tribute to Irene Roper, former chairman of the guild, who died during this year's Lifeboat Week.

'She worked tirelessly for the charity for several years and was passionate, in particular, about Lifeboat Week. We are delighted that Irene's sister, Maggie, is continuing as secretary, as Maggie says that is what Irene would have wished.'

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.

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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.