A NORTH EAST man has revealed the secret to his success after raising a huge amount of cash for the RNLI – building model lifeboats and showing them off at car shows.

James Scott, originally from County Durham, has managed to raise a staggering £1,100 after a summer of classic car events held right across the North East.

Mr Scott, who now lives in Sunderland, managed to collect the amount after combining his interests in model-making and classic cars with his support for RNLI Amble.

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With the help of partner Brenda Stobbart, Mr Scott transported a series of handmade models including Trent, Shannon and Severn Class lifeboats, to dozens of shows in the past year. 

The Northern Echo:

Brenda Stobbart with one of the radio-controlled models being tested 

The Northern Echo:

Many of his fleet of lifeboats have been made from scratch 

Explaining the logistics involved, he said the creation of the models had made a significant impact on their fundraising efforts for the RNLI station in Northumberland.

Mr Scott said use of the models, while attending classic car shows with their 1973 Jaguary XJ6 and 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, had translated to even more people taking an interest in the charity. 

He said: "For 2021, we displayed radio-controlled model lifeboats including a 1:16 scale Trent class (Dunbar), 1:12 scale Shannon class (Amble), 1:40 scale Severn Class (Tynemouth) and a fanciful 1:12 scale fast catamaran.

"These models, although difficult to transport and rather fragile, have greatly increased interest in our classic car RNLI displays."

The Northern Echo:

Brenda Stobbart and James Scott presenting £1,100 cheque to Jill Faulconbridge, right, and crew of Amble RNLI lifeboats

The Northern Echo:

The lifeboats are that big they have to be transported in adapted pushchairs 

Mr Scott and Ms Stobbart recently handed over a cheque for £1,100 to the RNLI where they were met with Jill Faulconbridge, Chairman of Amble Lifeboat Fundraisers, and four of the volunteer crew members.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, but also provides a flood rescue service, seasonal beach lifeguard cover, and works with other organisations around the world to reduce the risks of drowning.

According to the charity, volunteers make up 95 percent of the organisation, while it remains independent of Government and relies on donations for funding.

It has a number of stations up and down the North East and North Yorkshire coastline with scores of volunteers.

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