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£14,000 RNLI boost from lifeboat event
AN ANNUAL fund-raising weekend organised by Staithes and Runswick volunteer lifeboat crew and the Friends of Staithes Lifeboat proved to be an enjoyable event, raising almost £14,000 for the RNLI.
There was a wide range of activities for all the family, starting with a traditional Nightgown Parade through the cobbled streets of Staithes on Friday evening, led by the East Cleveland Belles marching band.
On Saturday morning, the fun began again at Runswick Bay where both the Staithes and Redcar lifeboats put on a rescue display.
On Saturday afternoon, the event carried on at Staithes with souvenir stalls and games.
Spectators were treated to demonstrations of rescues in the harbour by the lifeboats and on the cliff by Staithes and Skinningrove Coastguard teams.
This year an RAF rescue helicopter also attended and carried out several winch transfers to and from the lifeboats.
The annual raft race across the harbour attracted a record number of entries with teams of all ages taking part.
Following a seafront barbecue on Saturday evening, there was a spectacular firework display in the harbour.
Sunday morning saw the now famous Duck Race down Staithes Beck and on Sunday afternoon, the usual thanksgiving services were held at Runswick and then Staithes.
Stuart Purdie, the new event organiser, said: "We've had a great weekend and I would like to thank all those people who visited the village and helped us to raise this fantastic amount of money.
"The lifeboat crew and Friends of Staithes lifeboat have done a huge amount of work over the weekend and I would also like to thank them.'
At the Sunday Service of Thanksgiving in Staithes, led by the Rev Alan Coates, the station's Lifeboat Operations Manager Dave Porritt was presented with a pair of binoculars from the RNLI in recognition of his 30 years of lifeboat work.
Retiring crew member Dr Graham Croft was presented with a framed letter of thanks from the RNLI for his 17 years' service as a crew member.
Dr Croft is continuing his RNLI service as the station's Lifeboat Medical Advisor.
Lifeboat day next year at Staithes and Runswick will be on Saturday 13 August 2011. The event passed virtually trouble-free with just once incident just after midnight on Saturday.
There was an increased police presence with officers from North Yorkshire, Cleveland and British Transport Police in Staithes after trouble marred last year's event.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
