RNLI buoyed by selling little bit of history

To celebrate the bi-centenary of lifeboats being stationed at Spurn Point, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has set up dedicated pages on its website where people can buy a year from the station's history for a minimum donation of 25.

The RNLI was hoping to raise around 5,000 from the scheme, but it has been so successful that the current total has reached more than 18,000, with one year alone being bought for almost than 3,000.

Humber RNLI Superintendent Coxswain Dave Steenvoorden, who came up with the idea, said: "Some people have wanted to buy a year that has a special significance for them, a loved one's birthday or a wedding anniversary, for example, while others just wanted to play some part in our 200th anniversary.

"We have a very long and proud history of saving lives at sea here at Spurn Point and are delighted that so many people have wanted to be a part of our celebrations."

One of the most notable years in the station's history, 1940, has been reserved for auction during an Opera Dinner at the Guildhall, Hull, on 9 October.

That year Robert Cross, one of the station's most renowned coxswains, was awarded the RNLI's highest award, a Gold Medal, as well as a George Medal for rescuing the crew of a trawler in horrendous conditions after 20 attempts to save them.

Another year was bought for 1,000 by a group of 4x4 enthusiasts, who selected 1979 when Supt Coxswain Brian Bevan became the only RNLI lifeboatman to be presented with Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for gallantry at the same ceremony.

To buy a year visit www.rnli.org.uk/humber200.