MEMBERS of the RNLI were in force to show off their skills and raise awareness about water safety.

Crews from Redcar and Staithes took part in a display, but unfortunately the planned arrival of a Coastguard rescue helicopter had to be dropped because its crew had spent the previous evening involved in a long rescue in the North Sea.

Before the end of the fundraising event, crews were called to deal with an incident involving a man and dog who had to be rescued and landed safely at Saltburn.

Dave Cocks, of Redcar RNLI, said the fundraising day had been a huge success and the rescue highlighted the importance of a 24/7 volunteer service.

"The fundraising day was a great success," he said. "It is first time for a long time that we have held such an event in Saltburn and we were delighted with how it went. It was disappointing that the helicopter from the Coastguard had to cancel, but we still managed to show the public the work that we do on a daily basis.

"It is important to get across the message of water safety and to remind people of the work that we carry out on a regular basis."

The event on Saltburn promenade was designed to raise money and awareness about the services that the charity provides on a daily basis.

It gave members of the public the opportunity to meet and talk to volunteers as well as learn more about sea safety and a call out on the afternoon perfectly highlighted the importance of the volunteer crew.

He said: "We got the call at just after 3pm that a man and his dog had been cut off by the tide at Huntcliff. It was the perfect combination for a rescue - high tide late afternoon, nice weather and a bank holiday weekend - that is why we are on call 24 hours a day 365 days of the year."

Anyone wanting further information about the work of the volunteers should visit redcarlifeboat.org.uk or facebook.com/RedcarRNLI