As venues for carol services go this was surely among the more unusual.

The Lizard RNLI held its annual Christmas carolaire in the station at Kilcobben Cove and onboard lifeboat Rose herself.

Members of the fundraising committee were joined by Helston Town Band and Landewednack School to sing a collection of new and traditional Christmas carols.

The service was conducted onboard Rose by the Rev Deride Mackrill and the Rev Steve Swann. Lifeboat operations manager Ned Nuzum read a poem entitled Lifeboat Men So Brave, which was written and dedicated to all RNLI lifeboat crews around the country.

Landewednack School children Dora, Luke, Joleigh and Sean also each read a poem during the service.

A festive raffle was held and seasonal refreshments and mulled wine were served in the crew room at the end of the evening, with the event once again hailed as a great success.

Derek Johnston, band master from Helston Town Band, said: “We were delighted to have been asked to perform at the lifeboat station's carolaire. We are keen supporters of the RNLI and have recently produced a CD with tenor John Trelevan which we hope will soon be on sale in all lifeboat shops around the country.”

The station's fundraising committee has thanked Phil Greet for providing the PA sound system, Travis Perkins Helston for donating a generator and lighting for the evening, music teacher Judith Green and the Landewednack School Choir, Helston Town band, Rev Deride Mackrill and Rev Steve Swann, James and Donna Glosby from the Top House Inn for donating refreshments, Cornish Food Market for the Christmas hampers and everyone who came and supported the evening.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Photos: Lyndsay Bray.