Boxing Day swim cash bonanza

SIR - On behalf of the Sidmouth branch of the RNLI, I would like to thank the generous people of Sidmouth for their donations during the Boxing Day Swim. Despite the treacherous conditions on the Esplanade the street collection raised just over �1,200.

Our thanks also to the Sidmouth Regatta committee for organising the event and Sidmouth Lifeboat for providing safety cover for the swimmers.

The RNLI receives no government funding and has to raise in excess of �125m every year to maintain their nationwide lifeboat and lifeguard services.

It is entirely due to public contributions such as this that they are able to stay afloat. Many thanks to everyone who contributed.

Andrew Dean

Branch Treasurer

St Helens Cottage, Cotmaton Road, Sidmouth