A RYEDALE group has raised nearly £11,000 for a life-saving charity over the past 12 months.

The Malton branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) raises money locally to go to the central organisation of the charity.

Don Low, Malton RNLI chairman, said: “Funds are directed as required, however, occasionally, funding is raised for specific local projects such as the launch vehicle for the new lifeboat at Scarborough.

“The new Scarborough and Bridlington lifeboat stations, each costing about £3m, plus the new Shannon class lifeboats, at £2m each, are examples of the way the RNLI is investing to update and improve its service.”

Don said the RNLI relied 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,” he said.

“Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives,” he said.

“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 our museums, shops and offices.”

Don said last year the Malton RNLI branch raised nearly £11,000 for the charity.

“This is a fantastic achievement. It is one of our best-ever years and is thanks to the generosity and effort of our supporters and volunteers in the Malton area,” he said.

“From its founding in 1931, to raise funding for the charity, the Malton group is one of the oldest in the UK.

“The Malton branch raises money by organising a number of events throughout the year such as coffee mornings and quiz nights.

“Like many local groups, the members of the Malton branch are getting older and we would welcome new members to revitalise the branch and continue its great work.”

Don said this year would be more challenging as the RNLI had now adopted an opt-in policy.

“The RNLI will only contact people about events if they have given specific permission,” he said.

“Anyone wishing to opt-in to receive news of the RNLI can do so via the RNLI website or by contacting local branch members. This site also has details of our events.”

For more information, go to rnli.org