LIFEBOAT funds have benefited to the tune of more than £700 thanks to West Somerset people supporting the RNLI’s May Day events.

And with more than £17,000 already raised, Minehead lifeboat station’s fund-raising efforts are well on the way to exceeding last year’s total.

Minehead RNLI chairman Bryan Stoner said he was delighted with the success of the initial events organised by the station’s new fund-raising support team.

A pancake stall and pop-up shop at Minehead railway station brought in nearly £600, another event organised by Channel Training – owned and managed by lifeboat helmsman Jim Whittaker – raised a further £120 and a special wear your wellies to school day at Minehead Middle School brought in another £131.

Special yellow welly pin badges marking May Day are still on sale in local shops until the end of the month.

The supporters’ group has been set up during the winter to help raise the profile of the station and spur local fund-raising efforts.

Last year, well over £30,000 was raised for the RNLI from donations and events in Minehead and West Somerset – more than a third of the station’s annual running costs.

Mr Stoner said the group’s arrival had had an immediate impact on the station.

“Since the old lifeboat guild closed around three years ago, a lot of the responsibility for raising money has fallen on the shoulders of the crew, which is a very big ask when they already have heavy operational and training commitments,” he said.

“To have a dedicated team of fund-raisers take over the reins is going to make a huge difference – and they have already got off to a very impressive start.”