Sidmouth Lifeboat have thanked the generosity of a Plymouth group, after its members presented the lifesaving service with a cheque for £725.

The Plymouth branch of the Watch Ashore took a coach trip down to sunny Sidmouth this week to visit the lifeboat station and present the money to senior coxswain Guy Russell.

Watch Ashore is an association of wives, mothers and widows of merchant navy officers who raise money and promote friendship.

Its current chairman Suzanne Spencer nominated Sidmouth Lifeboat as her chosen charity for her two year term in office.

Helen Croft, from the group said: “Suzanne chose this particular charity because not only have we supported it in the past, but as a seafaring organisation we understand more than most, how treacherous the sea can be.

“Consequently, we wanted to give our support to them as we know they are independent and rely totally on donations to be able to do their invaluable work in saving lives at sea.”

Members raised the money through various social events including a coffee morning, pastie and puds lunch, sherry and mince pie morning and events at the members houses.

Guy said: “Its people like this who keep Sidmouth lifeboat on call every day ready to go and help people in distress.”

“Being a charity we rely on people’s generosity, we are at the mercy and it’s amazing how generous people are. Lifeboats are quite close to people’s heart particularly those living on the coast.