They are the ever-present eyes quietly watching to ensure the safety of those using the water off the Helford and Falmouth Bay – and now the people they protect have a chance to show their support for the work of Nare Point Coast Watch Station.

Watchkeepers and friends of the watch station at Gillan are organising a charity auction at Porthleven Public Hall on Saturday, April 14.

With the support of the Cober Valley Helston Rotary Club, 94 lots will go under the hammer of well-known Penzance auctioneer David Lay from 7pm. Doors open to view the lots at 5pm, with pasties and the bar available from 6pm.

The catalogue of items includes sailing on a classic yacht with champagne and smoked salmon, paddle boarding and kayaking, a flying lesson, zip wire experience, Punch and Judy show by Professor Tom Suddes, gardening, meal vouchers in some of the best local restaurants, food hampers and a handyman to complete outstanding tasks around the house.

All items can be viewed at facebook.com/NarePointNCI/. Commissioned bids can be placed for those who can’t attend on the night but would still like to support the station. Payment will be by cash, cheque, debit card or telephone banking.

Amanda Steele, the station’s fundraiser, said: “The team organising the event have been delighted with the fantastic response from individuals and local businesses who have responded to our request for donations. We now look forward to great support from the public on the evening.”

The funds raised will be used to match fund a new telescope, with the other 50 per cent of the cost being paid by Cober Valley Rotary, to enable annual running costs to be achieved for the current financial year.

Last year Nare Point Coastwatch Station celebrated its tenth anniversary. The station is staffed by volunteers seven days a week for 365 days of the year from 8am to 4pm in the winter and 8am to 7pm in the summer.

During 2017 the station was involved in 18 incidents, from vessels aground to lost divers, with watchkeepers either alerting the coastguard at Falmouth or provided information to help the search and rescue organisations.

Watchkeepers at the 52 stations nationally record more than 20,000 vessel movements a year, along with the walkers on the South West Coast Path who pass by. They also provide radio checks, weather and sea conditions and local information to mariners on VHF radio Channel 65.

Each National Coast Watch Institution station is responsible for raising its own annual running costs. This is done through supermarket collections, collection boxes, events, donations, Friends of the Station and a 50/50 Club.