ALMOST £15,400 was raised by the Evesham branch of the RNLI in 2014.

Secretary Bob Crockford said it was the continuing support and generosity of local clubs, businesses and volunteers who helped the branch raise so much money.

Donations had been received from the Hilda Farr Trust, Evesham Rotary and Bengeworth School. The Vale and Evesham golf clubs had held charity days while the Evesham Hotel had supported a coffee morning for the RNLI for the 39th year.

In addition, Lawrence's Bakery, in Evesham, gives the branch an RNLI branded cake for all its functions. Many more businesses give prizes.

"Without support the RNLI could not carry out its lifesaving work. In 2014 our lifeboats rescued 8,727 people, lifeguards attended 17,050 incidents helping 19,252 people. Our flood rescue teams were called on to back up hard pressed local services in many parts of the UK," said Mr Crockford.

"One sign of the big change in the role of the RNLI is that only seven per cent of launches were to assist commercial and fishing boats, all the rest were to pleasure craft, launches, sailing boats and manual boats or individuals in difficulty, swept away by rip tides or cut off by tides. We all go to water for leisure at some time and may need the RNLI."

Mr Crockford said that despite the efforts of the RNLI and other rescue services there are still too many drownings every year around our coast and water ways inland. Education volunteers visit schools and youth organisations to help people respect the water by being aware of possible dangers and how to protect themselves while having a good time.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help the RNLI can find details on the website.