LIFEBOAT supporters in Minehead will be bringing another year of fundraising to a close with one of their most popular regular events on Friday.

The 117-year old station will be hosting Carols in the Boathouse 13 with the attractions of free mulled cider and hot mince pies.

Local events and donations have resulted in more than £40,000 being raised for RNLI funds in Minehead this year – a figure which will be more than doubled by retail sales in the station shop, which will be open for business during the carols evening.

Admission to the event is free but donations are invited for lifeboat funds.

However Minehead RNLI chairman Bryan Stoner warned people hoping to benefit from the shelter of the boathouse should arrive in plenty of time for the 7 pm start.

“We have to observe some fairly stringent new fire regulations this year and they have placed a maximum figure of 200 on the number of people we can allow inside,” he said.

“Over and above that limit people will have to take their chances with the weather and sing outside – but we can still guarantee them an enjoyable evening.”