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.

“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.”

Minehead Middle School pupils and lifeboat crewman Mike Webber are pictured with RNLI mascot Stormy Stan.