LIFEBOAT dummies Sid and Alma had an outing to Woolbrook on Monday when they helped Sidmouth Lifeboat trustee Freddy Wedderburn open the refurbished Boots pharmacy there. Store manager Sally Brooks had asked staff to come up with an original idea for the

LIFEBOAT dummies Sid and Alma had an outing to Woolbrook on Monday when they helped Sidmouth Lifeboat trustee Freddy Wedderburn open the refurbished Boots pharmacy there.Store manager Sally Brooks had asked staff to come up with an original idea for the opening and Debbie Parsons suggested the popular couple.It wasn't without its moments. As the clock sped towards the 11am ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mr Wedderburn and lifeboat volunteer support helper Keith Bartles, struggled to fix obstinate arms back in place after an unceremonious van ride from the seafront had dislodged them.The store was refurbished in just a few days last week, closing Saturday afternoon and re-opening for shop sales; not prescriptions, the following Wednesday. The Alliance Pharmacy merged with Boots a year ago and 200 stores will be given a makeover, with Ottery St Mary's being carried out later this year.Bucks fizz, nibbles and a delicious cake made by the bakers next door, awaited customers keen to see their new-look shop, which will now offer professional services, such as cholesterol and blood pressure tests.The store chose Sidmouth Lifeboat as its local charity to support and, said Mr Wedderburn: "I was completely surprised and delighted to have their support. They have certainly pushed the boat out for us."Sid and Alma started it off. It was a special occasion and we were pleased to go along with it."It is the first tape cutting I have done and the first cake cutting ceremony.