A TREGADILLETT man has just returned to the UK with The RFA Cardigan Bay after completing an important mission in the Middle East lasting just over four years.

While away, members of the ship’s crew decided to collect foreign coins and notes for the RNLI and the money was handed over to Falmouth RNLI by Able Seaman Brian Sherring at Falmouth lifeboat station.

Brian, who lives in Tregadillett when not away on duty with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, had spent the last four months on the Cardigan Bay, which is now undergoing a refit in Falmouth Docks.

Brian said: “A pot was placed in the ship’s crew room and the money collected included various currencies such as riyals, dirhams and US dollars as well as British pounds. We wanted to support the RNLI and in particular, Falmouth lifeboat because of the ship’s connection with the port of Falmouth.”

Although the total value of the money donated to the charity is not known at this stage because of unknown exchange rates, there is at least £60 in British money.

Brian handed over the money to Falmouth RNLI fundraising treasurer, Brenda Grieve, and Falmouth RNLI coxswain Jonathan Blakeston. Falmouth RNLI are extremely grateful to Brian and the crew of the Cardigan Bay for their support.