Falmouth RNLI is inching ever closer to achieving its target of raising £100,000 in its 150th anniversary year with the total raised so far now standing at £75,000.

The money is needed to go towards the cost of alterations and improvements required at the lifeboat station ahead of the arrival of a new and bigger Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.

The latest donation to the appeal came from Falmouth builder Andy Stribley who handed over £350 which had been raised after he asked family and friends to give money instead of gifts for his recent 60th birthday. The money was raised with the help of Betty Stogs who made a surprise appearance at Andy's birthday party at The Shed in Falmouth.

Andy thought it was a good idea to ask for donations for the appeal after he and his wife Gail had a conversation with Paul Wickes, deputy chair of the Falmouth RNLI appeal committee, about her family history and links to the RNLI.

In February 1914, Gail's great grandfather, Tom Pollard, was a crew member on the Falmouth lifeboat Bob Newbon during the famous Hera rescue off Gull Rock when five lives were saved from the shipwrecked German barque.

Gail recounted her grandmother's memories of that daring rescue when the crew of the Bob Newbon returned exhausted and with their hands raw from the efforts of rowing. Tom's great-grandson, Mark Pollard was Falmouth Lifeboat coxswain between 2005 and 2015, during which time he was awarded the RNLI’s Bronze Medal for his fortitude, exemplary leadership and outstanding seamanship in the rescue of the Galina in November 2005.

Another of Tom's great grandsons, Tim Julian, also served as station mechanic aboard the Falmouth Lifeboat from 1983 to 2003 and at the time of being recruited was one of the youngest ever RNLI station mechanics.

Paul said: "Andy and Gail's support for the Falmouth RNLI Appeal is a fantastic gesture. They both truly reflect the very high regard local people in and around Falmouth have towards the local RNLI crew and the many volunteers who support them. On behalf of the appeal committee we are delighted to accept the generous donation of £350."