The RFA Cardigan Bay and her crew have just returned to Falmouth after completing an important mission in the Middle East lasting just over four years and have brought back with them a bucket full of cash.

While away, members of the ship's crew decided to collect foreign coins and notes for the RNLI and the money has now been handed over to Falmouth RNLI by Able Seaman Brian Sherring at Falmouth lifeboat station.

Brian said: "A pot was placed in the ship’s crew room and the money collected included various currencies such as riyals, dirhams and US dollars as well as British pounds. We wanted to support the RNLI and in particular, Falmouth lifeboat because of the ship’s connection with the port of Falmouth."

Although the total value of the money donated is not yet known because of unknown exchange rates, there is at least £60 in British money. Brian handed over the money to Falmouth RNLI Fundraising treasurer, Brenda Grieve, and Falmouth RNLI coxswain, Jonathan Blakeston. Falmouth RNLI has expressed its thanks to Brian and the crew of the Cardigan Bay, which is now undergoing a refit at Falmouth Docks, for their support.