The crew, who have been amazed by Lynn News readers' support of the appeal, wanted to do their bit to help raise the £125,000 needed for a new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.

The money was raised at a hugely successful race night held at Old Hunstanton Social Club earlier this month, organised by crew members Michael Darby and his wife Melissa, Gavin Grange and Simon Lee.

More than 100 people attended the event, and several businesses donated raffle prizes.

Station press officer, David Harrison, said: "The crew usually run things during the year to raise money for the RNLI, but they have been particularly taken by the appeal.

"They are not encouraged to raise funds for the RNLI as a general rule, because they give up so much time manning the boat and training – it's almost a full-time job for some of them.

"But nevertheless they wanted to raise money for the appeal, and organised this event, which raised a magnificent amount."

* Workers from Maxview Aerials Ltd in Setchey tuned into the lifeboat appeal – and raised a bumper £120 from unwanted Christmas presents.

Factory operative Linda Hamer, of Lynn, encouraged staff to bring unwanted gifts into work, and put them into a raffle.
She has organised the fundraiser at the Common Road firm for around three years, and last year donated cash to the Lynn News Helipad Appeal.