A SLEEP-out in the depths of winter has brought a £5,000 boost for RNLI funds in Minehead.

Dan James and Chris Jones raised the money from sponsors after spending 24 cold and windy hours camped out on a bench in front of the Quay West lifeboat station in February.

Fittingly enough, the bench was originally installed in memory of Robin Dyer, a member of the crew for several years and father of Dan’s wife, Jenny.

But, said Dan: “That didn’t make it any more comfortable – although it did provide a reminder of how uncomfortable conditions must be on a lifeboat when the weather turns nasty.”

Dan and Chris – pictured presenting their cheque to lifeboat crew members – were sponsored by the hour for their endurance feat and also received support in the shape of food and drink from local businesses.

The pair say they want the money raised to go towards the cost of the major improvement works the RNLI is planning for the 118-year-old station, details of which will be emerging later in the year.

“Given my family’s connection with the station we thought it only right the money should go to a local project,” said Dan.

Photo: Chris Rundle/RNLI