A cheque for £200 has been presented to Falmouth RNLI coxswain Jonathan Blakeston by Keith Collins of the Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors.

The ambassadors, known as the “pale blues” due to the distinctive uniform they wear, are a group of 40 to 45 volunteers, whose role is to meet and greet cruise ship passengers when they arrive at the port, offering help, information and directions if required. They are now in their 13th year having been established in 2006 by a group of six local residents.

Keith Collins, who is also a member of Falmouth RNLI community sea safety team, said: "The money was the proceeds of a raffle held at our Christmas party held at the Greenbank Hotel. It was my suggestion that the money could be donated to the Falmouth RNLI appeal."

After receiving the cheque, Jonathan expressed his thanks to the ambassadors and praised them for the important role they played in giving up their time to help visitors, giving them a warm welcome when they arrive and leaving them with a good impression of Falmouth and Cornwall when they depart.

The money goes to the RNLI's £100,000 appeal which was launched last year and will go towards the money needed to make alterations and upgrades to the current lifeboat station in Tinners Walk ahead of the arrival of a new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.