IN just 12 years, the St Helens branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has raised more than £100,000 to fund volunteer crews and lifeboats.

To mark the achievement, current and former members of the association gathered at Windle Bowling Club.

Branch chairman Tony Sayer welcomed special guests Dave Watts MP, Katherine Ashworth and Mike Heyes, daughter and brother of branch founder, the late Anne Heyes.

Fundraising manager Deborah Ferns thanked the people of St Helens for their support and generous donations.

She said: “Without such support, the lifeboats would not be able to operate.”

If you would like further information on fundraising locally for the RNLI, contact Tony Sayer on 01744 602201 or secretary Di Collins on 01744 735147.