Despite howling gales outside, there was a warm welcome for local supporters of the New Quay RNLI on Tuesday, October 21.

Alan Tomkins, Lifeboat Management Group chairman, said the event was to thank supporters who help with donations, fund raising initiatives and providing supplies, which helps the crew save lives at sea.

The RNLI is a charity and receives no government funding but has to rely totally on legacies, public donations and fundraising events.

Chairman of the station's Fundraising Committee, Lis Singer, thanked those who assisted by donating money, supplying materials to create gifts for sale or providing food items for fundraising functions.

Presentations were rounded off by Roger Couch, Lifeboat Operations Manager, who gave details regarding the cash hungry needs of the service.

Although largely staffed by volunteers, a substantial amount goes on maintaining and fuelling the two lifeboats, training and equipping the crew, such as new lifejackets which cost £350 each.

Mr Couch referred to the work of the Quay West fundraising group who have raised more than £8,000 in the last five years, mainly through table top sales. He also drew attention to the lino cut picture of the Forester, the first lifeboat at New Quay, created and presented by Stuart Evans, deputy curator of the Ceredigion Museums.

Cheryl Latham, on behalf of the Quay West fundraisers, unveiled a welsh slate plaque commemorating the 150th anniversary of the lifeboat service in New Quay.