Organisers delighted with support for this year’s event despite a soggy start and end

Midweek Herald: Debra Stephenson opens Lyme Regis Lifeboat WeekDebra Stephenson opens Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week (Image: Archant)

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis came to a soggy end in heavy showers on Saturday - but organisers are confident of a significant boost for RNLI funds.

The Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, whose members plan the week, believe donations to the life-saving charity will be in the region of £20,000.

Only two events – the Friday night fireworks display and the cricket match – had to be called off because of the weather.

Irene Roper, who is retiring as chairman of the guild after five years, said: “Visitors, residents and traders have been very generous as usual. It has been a great team effort. But there have also been some superb individual achievements.

Midweek Herald: Irene Roper, retiring chairman of the RNLI Guild with lifeboat station boss Nick Marks. Picture: RICHARD HOROBINIrene Roper, retiring chairman of the RNLI Guild with lifeboat station boss Nick Marks. Picture: RICHARD HOROBIN (Image: Archant)

“One classic example is 13-year-old Josh Denning, who raised £473 with his collection bucket and help from his family.”

There were two surprises as the week officially concluded.

Irene Roper was treated to a celebration get-together to mark her retirement.

And Emma Hughes, from Whitchurch Canonicorum, handed over a cheque for £420 raised at her recent 40th birthday party.

Midweek Herald: The lifeboat week bathtub race winners.The lifeboat week bathtub race winners. (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Lyme Mayor Michaela Ellis meeting the Red Devils.Lyme Mayor Michaela Ellis meeting the Red Devils. (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Red Devils drop in to Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. Picture Barry Phillips.Red Devils drop in to Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. Picture Barry Phillips. (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Lifeboat week swimming race winners pictured with RNLI guild chairman Irene Roper (centre) are (l to r)t adult female, Samantha Rose; junior female, Millie Downes,13, , junior boy Jimmy Brett, 13, adult male Malcolm Greenslade. Picture: RICHARD HOROBINLifeboat week swimming race winners pictured with RNLI guild chairman Irene Roper (centre) are (l to r)t adult female, Samantha Rose; junior female, Millie Downes,13, , junior boy Jimmy Brett, 13, adult male Malcolm Greenslade. Picture: RICHARD HOROBIN (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: The start of the bathtub race at Lyme Lifeboat Week. Picture: JONATHAN SMITHThe start of the bathtub race at Lyme Lifeboat Week. Picture: JONATHAN SMITH (Image: 'Copyright 2017, Jonathan Smith')