VOLUNTEERS from the Bude RNLI lifeboat station took part in the RNLI's SOS day on Friday to raise funds to buy the crew new lifejackets.

Two brand new types of lifejacket have been designed through joint collaboration between the RNLI and the manufacturer to meet the charity's current search and rescue requirements.

It was back in 1854 that an RNLI Inspector called Captain Ward invented a cork lifejacket that proved a lifesaver on numerous occasions.

But since those days, the charity has always looked to advance and improve its safety equipment, from kapok lifejackets to Beaufort lifejackets and the present day design.

As Adrian Carey, the RNLI Divisional Inspector for the South West explains, the charity believes its volunteer crews deserve the best possible equipment:

"We ask our volunteers to put themselves in difficult and dangerous situations and its only right that we provide them with the best equipment, whether they are lifeboat crew or the shore crews who help launch and recover the lifeboats.

"We have worked closely with our volunteers, including some from the South West, to bring a wealth of detailed feedback into the development process for these lifejackets.

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