THE RNLI was picked as the charity for 2000 by Tone Vale Lodge in honour of one of its longest-serving members, Brother Tom Tolfree.

Normally, the lodge aims to raise about £200 in the course of a year, but the RNLI, one of Tom's favourite charities, benefited by some £800 - more than the lodge, based at the RAOB Club at Taunton, has ever raised before.

The donation went to the RNLI station at Minehead which was visited by members of the lodge, their wives and partners on Sunday

The usual weekly donations from the members were boosted last year by some fundraising activities as well as donations.

Iris Welch, wife of Brother Dave Welch, hand-knitted a lifeboat man, which raised about £80, Brother Alan Potter published a booklet of poetry, realising a further £50, and Brother Pat Wall organised a country and western evening which raised over £200.

Arrangements for Sunday's visit were made by Mr Potter and Minehead lifeboat secretary Kevin Escott.

The cheque was presented to the RNLI by Brother Sidney Derbe and the day was rounded off with lunch at Foxes Hotel, Minehead.

Pictured with the cheque are, at the back from the left, Pat Wall, Bob Thresher, Dave Welch, Kevin Escott, Sidney Derbe, Alan Potter and Richard Talbot and, in front from the left, RNLI crew members Jamie Sheppard, James Guscott and Jonti Pollard.