MORE than 300 people were estimated to have attended a triumphant return of ‘Carols In the Boathouse’ at Minehead’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution station.

The popular festive event helped to celebrate completion of the historic boathouse’s £1 million upgrade.

Pictured in Minehead RNLI boathouse are (left to right) helmsman Richard Huish, tractor driver/crewman David Legg, Santa, and crewman Ben Mouzouri.
Pictured in Minehead RNLI boathouse are (left to right) helmsman Richard Huish, tractor driver/crewman David Legg, Santa, and crewman Ben Mouzouri. (RNLI)

It was heralded the ‘biggest ever’ by Minehead RNLI chairman Richard Newton, who said: “We are overwhelmed by the level of public support for this annual festive event, and delighted that so many people from the community were able to come, celebrate, and sing with us.”

Visitors were also treated to hot mulled wine and mince pies, and festive music courtesy of Minehead Street Choir.

Enjoying 'Carols in the Boathouse' at Minehead RNLI are Thames commander/helmswoman Karla Thresher and station chairman Richard Newton.
Enjoying 'Carols in the Boathouse' at Minehead RNLI are Thames commander/helmswoman Karla Thresher and station chairman Richard Newton. (RNLI)

Minehead’s volunteer crew showed off their vocal skills with a rousing rendition of a special version of ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ which was penned by crew members themselves.

The event was also deemed a resounding success by fund-raisers with nearly £2,000 raised from bucket donations and shop sales alone.

Anybody who wants more information about the RNLI can visit the charity’s website here.