Large crowds flocked to see the Lizard Lifeboat on Sunday when the station hosted its annual lifeboat day.

Visitors were greeted with a variety of stalls selling crafts and RNLI gifts and souvenirs, with raffles, games, displays and other entertainment.

There was a barbecue for those feeling hungry, and cream teas and refreshments were served all day by members of the RNLI’s fundraising committee. Mullion Coastguard and the RNLI Face to Face team were also in attendance.

A “guess the weight of the pasty” competition drew much attention, with the pasty having been baked and donated by Ann Muller who owns The Lizard Pasty Shop.

Visitors were then invited to make their way down to the station, where lifeboat crew and shore crew members were on hand to show the heavy stream of people around the immaculate lifeboat Rose. Long queues for tours of the boat continued throughout the afternoon.

The main event of the day saw the launching of Rose and the arrival from RNAS Culdrose of a 771 Squadron search and rescue Sea King helicopter piloted by the squadron commanding officer Commander Martin Shepherd. Crowds lined the cliff tops to watch a thrilling sea and air rescue demonstration, which showed the lifesaving work carried out by both organisations.

Before to the arrival of the helicopter Commander Shepherd’s wife Janette also gave an informative talk to the crowd on the work of 771 Squadron.

The day raised more than £1,300 for the Lizard Lifeboat and “huge thanks” have been given to everyone who supported the event.

Lyndsay Bray, from the station, said: “Members of the fundraising committee also wish to thank Phil Greet, who provided the PA system and for his running commentary on the day’s events; the many volunteer helpers who manned the barbecue and stalls, the crew of 771 Squadron and the Witchball Restaurant who kindly baked the scones for the cream teas.”