Barmouth RNLI enjoyed a very busy event on Sunday, 28 July, when people from the area and visitors to the town attended their ‘Come visit us day’ which raised more than £1,200.

Event organiser Eve Williams, along with many of the volunteer crew were delighted with the hundreds of enthusiasts who came from far and wide to attend the day.

‘Come visit us day’ gives members of the public an opportunity to have a look around an operational RNLI boathouse and get up close to both of our lifeboats, the tractor and SLARs unit.

Visitors were able to chat with the volunteer crew and find out what really happens when they go on a shout. Stormy Stan was on hand to entertain the children.

Eve Williams, educational visits co-ordinator said: “I’m sure many of the enthusiasts this year have come to see and board our new Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat Ella Larsen.

“We are always very thankful to the general public who continue to support the RNLI and are very grateful for their donations with a fantastic amount of over £1,200 being raised on the day.

“Visitors enjoyed delicious refreshments provided by our team of fantastic fundraisers.”

Events like this are vital for the survival of the RNLI which relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives.

Volunteers make up 95 per cent of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew.

Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in museums, shops and offices.