A LIFEBOAT'S crews were stunned when pensioner Margaret Calverley walked into their station and presented them with £5,000 in cash - money she had saved over 30 years.

Mrs Calverley, 82, on holiday in her native town of Whitby, North Yorkshire, from her home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, said: "I just have a passion for the life-boat and the men who risk their lives to go to sea rescues."

She added: "Many people leave money to the RNLI in their wills, but I decided I wanted to hand it over myself."

Lifeboat mechanic Kevin Debenham said: "When Margaret came in and said she had a donation I expected something like £20. We were amazed when she produced £5,000.

"We are very grateful to her, it's a wonderful gesture".

The Whitby branch of the RNLI celebrated its 200th anniversary last year.

Lifeboat crews from the town have rescued more than 1,300 people off the Yorkshire coast. In doing so they have received five gold, 14 silver and 16 bronze medals for gallantry over the years.