The funds raised for Staithes and Runswick Bay RNLI lifeboat station have reached a record high and in 2007 the small station raised more than £40,000, almost £12,000 more than in 2006, which itself was the largest amount to date.

A main contributor to the total amount raised came in the form of the popular August Lifeboat Weekend, which brought in a huge total of £15,000.

The amount of money raised from collection boxes in the village and surrounding area had also increased from the previous year.

The boathouse socks a host of used books which visitors can take home after leaving a donation of their choice – funds from this alone have raised £7,000.

Staithes lifeboat fund-raiser, Dave Manship said: "We thought we couldn't top the £28,000 raised in 2006 but for such a small station to raise £40,000 shows how dedicated our crew and helpers are.

"Even when times are hard the public still dig deep to support us for which we are grateful."

The money raised goes directly to RNLI Headquarters central fund and will contribute to the day-to-day running of the RNLI.

This includes the operating of 233 lifeboat stations around the country and training the volunteer lifeboat crews who man the boats.

Lee Jackson, Staithes lifeboat press officer said: "On average we have about 15 call-outs a year so it really is a vital service.

"There is quite a gap between Redcar and Whitby so something in between is needed.

"There was a call out last year when a boat got stuck under the cliffs and the distress call was only heard by one of our members.

"If we didn't exist then no-one would have heard the distress call."

Mr Jackson paid tribute to everyone who had helped to raise the massive total, which doesn't even include the money taken in the RNLI shop in the village.