Antique RNLI collection box will be pride of place in Whitby Lifeboat Museum.

The old model lifeboat which was used as a collection box as far back as 1909 had been in storage after falling into disrepair. But thanks to Coxswain Howard Fields it can now be pride of place at whitby's lifeboat museum which is undergoing a renovation of its own.

A photo believed to be taken in 1909 shows the collection box on the stand which still exists today, in front of the John Fielden lifeboat which was sadly lost during the Rohilla disaster in 1914 when the passenger boat ran aground off Whitby.

The RNLI museum, which was the town's former boathouse still has one of the RNLI's oldest rowing lifeboats on display, Robert and Ellen Robson.

Curator Neil Williamson said: 'It seems fitting that we use this historic collecting box rather than the more modern plastic one we had been using. We are passionate about preserving Whitby's lifeboating history. It is amazing to think that people have been dropping coins into this very model since at least 1909. Howard has made sure the model lifeboat is secure enough to use as a collection box while retaining its rustic charm that tells a story of its age.'

The museum and former boathouse is undergoing a major redevelopment thanks to a generous legacy. It is expected to re-open this July.

If you wish to support the RNLI in Whitby you can become part of the Whitby heritage crew here.

For more information contact lifeboat press officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428

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.