Lifesavers at Hunstanton RNLI ready to answer the call this Christmas

The charity that saves lives at sea launches its Christmas appeal to help fund the work of its crew and more than 200 like them.

Hunstanton's volunteers will have their pagers on and be ready to respond to emergencies - even if it means their turkey ends up in the microwave and they don't get to open their presents until they return from a 'shout'.

Their number includes sea-goers and shore crew who will be ready to put celebrations on the back burner for the first time if someone finds themselves in danger, along with crew-mates who have notched up more than 20 years of service with the RNLI.

Lifeboat Operations Manger Mike Gould said: 'There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas.

'Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.

'But as a volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.'

At the end of its milestone 200th year, the RNLI is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteers who are preparing to spend the festive season on call like those at Hunstanton.

On average, the RNLI's lifeboats launch more than 100 times during the Christmas period every year.

Whatever winter throws at them, their crews are ready to battle the weather to save lives at sea.

Their work is only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, who help fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

Equipping a crew member at Hunstanton with the clothing and kit they need to keep them warm and safe at sea costs £1,300, while the average annual training cost is £1,450 per person on board the station's lifeboat or hovercraft.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.