ONE of Minehead lifeboat station’s youngest supporters has collected more money for RNLI funds -– and travelled 60 miles to make a personal delivery.

Nine-year-old Beth Williams, from Bruton – described by her family as a “fanatical” lifeboat supporter – handed over £350 to the station on Sunday (May 26).

The money was raised through sponsorship and donations after she persuaded staff at Bruton primary to organise a ‘wear your wellies to school’ day as part of the RNLI’s Yellow Welly fund-raising drive in May.

For Beth, her parents Dave and Sarah and sister Sophie it was a second visit to the station. Last November they travelled down so Beth could hand station officials £150 she raised by doing a sponsored swim.

Her interest in the lifeboat service started when she chose the RNLI as the subject of a school project about charities.

Mum Sarah said: “Since then she has been absolutely mad about lifeboats.

“Wherever we go on holiday she insists on going to the lifeboat station to see the boat: she’s a really devoted supporter.”

Minehead RNLI chairman Bryan Stoner said the station was proud to have such a devoted and loyal donor.

“Beth’s a real example to the younger generation and we really are thrilled to count her as one of our faithful fund-raisers,” he said.