Falmouth’s lifeboat crews and RNLI volunteers have been presented with the fourth annual Spirit of Falmouth Award.

The award, a which takes the form of a flag and a framed certificated, was handed over by the town’s mayor, Grenville Chappel, at a ceremony last Wednesday evening in recognition of the local RNLI’s “outstanding voluntary community service.”

The presentation was attended by members of Falmouth lifeboat crews, management, fundraisers and volunteers from the town’s lifeboat station.

Tribute was also paid to the fantastic efforts regarding last year’s £100,000 fundraising appeal, to raise money towards the improvements to be made to the lifeboat station before its new Atlantic class inshore lifeboat arrives in 2019 and to enhance its facilities for the crew.

Falmouth RNLI lifeboat operations manager Alan Rowe said: “The crew in Falmouth are dedicated, as are our friends who help and support us, the shore crew, helpers, those in the shop and anyone that has been involved have supported us 100 per cent.”

Coxswain Jon Blakeston paid tribute to the commitment of the crew and team by adding: “Thank you for the crew for always being there and committing the huge amount of time they do.

“But it’s vital to have all of the support team in their roles too, educating people, minimising the number of shouts we have to go out on and raising funds for the vast expense in getting our boats to sea.

“Thanks to everyone involved in Falmouth Lifeboat Station and to mayor Grenville Chapell and all the council officials - it’s an honour to be recognised in this fashion.”

Falmouth RNLI is the fourth organisation to receive the Spirit of  Falmouth Award since it was introduced in 2015 by mayor, John Body.

The inaugural award went to Falmouth Marine Band, who have raised thousands for local charities and organise the town’s carnival each year.

The second award went to the Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors who, for more than ten years, have provided a warm welcome to passengers from visiting cruise ships, giving advice and information to enhance their stay.

In 2017, the award was presented to the Falmouth Pink Wig committee, who have raised over £70,000 for breast cancer charities through events such as the annual Pink Wig Parade.