SIDMOUTH’S own red carpet premiere of the new James Bond film Skyfall raised �945 for the town’s independent lifeboat service.

The Radway Cinema hosted its first screening of the latest 007 outing in co-operation with members of the life-saving cause last Friday.

Andy Downham, operations manager of Sidmouth Lifeboat, issued a “huge thank-you” to Scott Cinemas and staff at the Radway who, together with the generous sponsorship of Waitrose and the Belmont and Victoria Hotels, ensured the evening was a great success.

“It was embraced tremendously by the community,” said Andy, who also expressed thanks to Sidmouth Print, No.83 for Cards, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Neil’s Restaurant, The Swan Inn, The Bowd Inn, I want, I Need, Fields of Sidmouth, Bill Lankester and ‘Paparazzi’ for the night Jason Purnell, who took these photos, was thanked for his support, as were all who attended the screening.