REGULARS at a West Somerset pub have celebrated a "remarkable" link with Minehead's lifeboat station and its crew by donating £1,000 to keep RNLI boats at sea.

The money was raised by Roadwater's Valiant Soldier at a number of special events, including quiz and race nights and through sponsorship for the pub's two teams who competed in last month's Blue Anchor to Minehead raft race, which is organised by the Minehead crew.

The Valiant's six-man entry claimed the Louisa Trophy for the first pub team home, while the Scuddy Memorial Trophy for the last raft home unaided went to the pub's eight-man team.

At the presentation of the cheque this week, raft race organiser Derek Williams highlighted the remarkable link forged between the Valiant and the Minehead station and crew.

"They are amongst the most enthusiastic competitors in the race every year - and every year they follow that up with a really large contribution to RNLI funds," he said.

"At a time when the RNLI needs to find £145 million a year to build and maintain boats and train and equip its crews it's very reassuring to be able to count on regular donations like this.

"The remarkable thing is that taking part in the raft race must be one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable ways there is of supporting the lifeboat service - and we look forward to welcoming the Valiant Soldier teams back next year."

RNLI funds are set to be boosted again on October 8 when the Minehead Male Voice Choir stages a concert in the town's Methodist Church, with a collection for the cause.

Photo: Steve Guscott