Generous readers have raised £10,000 a month on average ever since the appeal for a new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched last August.

And if money keeps pouring in at the same rate, we'll hopefully have the last £25,000 needed within the year.

The RNLI's area fundraising manager Tammy Allgood said it was "fantastic news" the appeal had reached £100,000, and said it had been raised quicker than anyone had expected.

Helping to take the appeal into the final straight was the King William IV pub and restaurant in Sedgeford which has raised an incredible £5,000.

Most of the money was raised through an almighty 340-mile sponsored bike ride completed by head chef Richard Briscoe (42) and Wim Euwe, father-in-law of pub owner Nick Skerritt, in just four-and-a-half days.

Sixty-nine-year-old Mr Euwe had also travelled all the way from Holland to take part in the event, which they completed on Friday, May 11.

Accompanied by Mr Skerritt in a support vehicle, the duo endured difficult terrain and weather to cycle all the way from Tynemouth in Northumberland to Whitehaven, Cumbria, on the Reivers Cycle Route, before coming back through the North Pennines on the Coast to Coast Route.

"It was an extremely tough ride, they did incredibly well," said Mr Skerritt, who owns the Heacham Road pub with his wife Lili.

"Three years ago Richard cycled from John o'Groat's to Land's End in ten days, but he said this was three times harder because of all the hills."

More than £1,500 of the total amount was also raised with a fundraising fisherman's supper at the restaurant in February, when a massive 82 three-course meals were served all in aid of the appeal.

Dedicated Methwold fundraiser Madge Watts also pulled out all the stops for the appeal and raised a fantastic £1,200.08.

The 78-year-old former Lynn News correspondent, who has raised thousands of pounds for charity since retiring 25 years ago, couldn't resist lining up something special and held three events for the cause.

The first two were concerts held at Methwold's St George's Church in February and March, and last month she organised a fashion show with the Artichoke Collection at the 21 Room, adjoining Methwold Social Club.

"I was hoping to raise £1,000 so I'm pleased with how much I got," she said.

The Clench-warton Methodist Entertainment Group (CMEG) has also donated £275 for the appeal thanks to proceeds from its show, Uncle Sam's Musical Express, held at the village's Methodist Chapel in May.

The show, which had a 25-strong cast of adults and children, centred on a family's musical journey around North America on Uncle Sam's express train and featured songs, sketches, dancing and various acts.

Help us raise the final £25,000. Donate, using the form printed in the Lynn News, or hold a fundraising event for the appeal. Contact reporter AMY COLLETT on 01553 817316 or by email for publicity in the Lynn News for your event.