PORT Isaac RNLI annual lifeboat larks day got off to a bumper start with the donation of a £5,000 cheque, presented by the Nathan Outlaw Fish Kitchen team.

Port Isaac RNLI senior helmsman and training officer, Damien Bolton, lifeboat operations manager Chris Bolton and crew accepted the cheque on behalf of the station committee (pictured), prior to carrying out sea going demonstrations geared to the event.

This included full capsize drill and crew transfers working in liaison with RNAS 771 Squadron Sea King as part of the RNLI programme of events on the day.

Matt Taylor, 2nd pilot gave an aerial display with his crew, which included Steve Hopkins, 1st pilot, holder of the Prince Phillip helicopter rescue award. A running commentary was given by Commodore Jamie Miller, Royal Navy, naval regional commander Wales and Western England.

The display marked the end of a longstanding and close working relationship established over the past 25 years between Port Isaac RNLI and the Sea Kings of RNAS Culdrose, as the SAR service now moves from military operations to privately run arrangements in the future.

It was a display that made a fitting and memorable end to this historic record of sea air rescue operations with the RNLI.

With perfect weather, families numbering well into 1,000 took the opportunity to enjoy a great day out, taking part in the traditional activities laid on by the committee and crew, including bouncy castle, gig rowing, children’s swings and duck fishing, champion egg throwing, Punch and Judy, face painting and much more.

There was a full running Pimm’s bar and beer stall offering ales and cask beer, barbecue, jazz band, St Minver Silver Band, cream teas, artwork sales, sales of clothes, cards and artwork, including a star draw for the original image forming this year’s exclusive Christmas card scene created by local artist Roy Ritchie depicting Father Christmas flying off from Port Isaac Lifeboat Station on his all important children’s seasonal delivery service.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.