The 40th Porthleven and District RNLI's annual Lifeboat Day began in wet and gloomy conditions, but before long the weather had perked up and visitors were able to enjoy all that was on offer without getting wet - from the rain at least.

Stall holders from previous years were welcomed back but not making its usual appearance was a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. "It was disappointing not having a 771 Squadron SAR helicopter to take part in the rescue demonstration with the lifeboats," said Jean Howard, press officer for Porthleven & District RNLI.

"For quite some time during the year we were unsure whether we would have the helicopter, but later heard we would.

"Then the weather played it's part and stopped it. At one time we could hear a helicopter and thought things had changed again but it wasn't coming to Porthleven. Instead it was 'on duty', something we are always aware of – operational requirements will always come first.

"Patch and his crew on the Ivan Ellen and the Paul Alexander did a grand job of showing us how it is done followed by a 'fun time' with the Working Boats. The RNLI Lifeguards entertained the crowd by putting on a display and the gigs crews showed us their skills."

The crab catching was won by a lad with 15 crabs, Porthleven Town Ban entertained the crowds and Dash II as ever drew a large crowd waiting for their turn of a launch into the harbour. There was also a Kids' Zone this year and apart from some games and the ever popular Punch and Judy there was a demonstration of balloon art.

This year organisers welcomed the lugger Happy Return to Porthleven. The boat was built in 1904 at Kitto's Yard in Porthleven and at the time she was decommissioned in 1988 was the oldest registered fishing boat. She has since been totally restored.

At one end of a marquee there was a bar with the larger part of the marquee housing stalls and a display of model boats by Camborne Pondhoppers. That same part was opened up in the evening for music on both the Saturday and Sunday. Jazz was played on Saturday by Black Rock Jazz Band and a group of singers called Thraw’d Together on Sunday.

"Except for Hayle RNLI, who have had a stall at Porthleven in past years, for the first time we invited other RNLI branches in the area to come to Porthleven – The Lizard, St Ives, Redruth, Sennen, Helston, Penlee, Hayle too and the Redruth Guild," said Jean. "We hope this will continue."

Commentary came from Martin Brockman from Penlee and the host's chairman Peter Boyd. "Was it a busier Lifeboat Day than in previous years? Without a way of knowing how to access numbers in a crowd it is difficult to say but it certainly appeared to be so," said Jean. "It certainly was a very good day judging by what people have said."

It isn't yet known exactly how much was raised, but it looks to be over £5,000. "At the end of a very tiring but most enjoyable weekend we would like to thank everyone very much indeed for the support they have given to us in whichever way it was," said Jean. "To the businesses in Porthleven and in some cases in Helston too goes our gratitude for their generosity in giving prizes for the raffle and auction, monetary donations towards the programme, hiring of equipment and to everyone who came along to see what was on offer."