As tens of thousands of people flooded into Falmouth to see the recent Tall Ships regatta, close to 3,000 took the chance to step onboard the town’s RNLI lifeboat.

With an extra four guides on duty over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, even the extra help was not enough for the host of people wishing to experience a guided tour of the lifeboats.

Gerry Gearon, press officer for Falmouth RNLI, said: “It is estimated that there were very nearly 3,000 people shown over the boats during the weekend. It is difficult to arrive at an exact total as most could not even get into the shop let alone sign the visitor book, and at times the queue tailed out of the shop and along the side of the station building all the way down Tinners Walk to the slipway.

“All seemed to enjoy the experience and most were amazed at the lifesaving work that the RNLI does around the country. Those who were able to squeeze into the shop were generous with their donations and spending, to the extent that we raised approximately £3,000.

“We are aware that quite a few visitors were local and if they would like a more comprehensive guided tour, with fewer people in the group, they are reminded that we are open every weekday until the end of October between 11am and 4pm, Saturdays between 11am and 1pm and then in the New Year from Easter through to October.

If anyone feels they have some time to spare and would like to join the group of visitor guides, they should call Robert Thompson, our visits officer, on 01326 250525. Suitable training will be given.