LIFEBOAT crews being put through their paces at a charity weekend demonstration had to divert to a real life emergency.

Crews from Staithes and Runswick Bay, near Saltburn, were taking part in a mock emergency when they were called to rescue two anglers whose boat had suffered engine failure in stormy seas near Kettleness Point, the third callout in a week for the volunteer crews.

The diversion didn't detract from the weekend which raised nearly £16,000 for Staithes and Runswick lifeboat. Coordinator Colin Harrison said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by everyone's generosity. It’s the most we’ve raised for many years and it’s a big morale booster to know how well we’re supported.”

Festivities at Staithes were opened by TV antiques expert Caroline Hawley, who told the crowd on the harbour front her family had long been regular visitors to the village and the RNLI was her favourite charity. She accepted a cheque for £1,000 from Texon Non-Woven of Skelton, who had made the RNLI their charity of the year, a painting of Staithes Beck by marine artist Richard Deck also raised nearly £2,000. Another highlight of the weekend was the hotly contested raft race when Cadon Porritt, 12, on a solo craft, made of plastic bottles, beat a crew of 10 adults. Cadon is the grandson of David Porritt, the Launch Operations Manager of the Staithes lifeboat station.