BUDE'S annual lifeboat day on Bank Holiday Monday saw the crowds turn out to enjoy a whole range of events and help to raise much needed funds for the RNLI.

Money is still coming in but initial estimations show that the whole event may have raised approximately £10,000.

Star attraction of the day was the Search and Rescue demonstration involving the Bude RNLI lifeboat crew and the RAF search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor. Padstow's All Weather lifeboat was due to join the demonstration but was called out on a shout en-route to Bude.

The demonstration showed the lifeboat and helicopter working together but half-way through a winch both crews were called out to a real rescue at Duckpool where two children were cut off on rocks.

After safely winching the children to the beach crowds were treated to a fly-over as the helicopter returned to wave to goodbye.

Throughout the day visitors took part in the Life­boat Training Experience simulator, enjoyed cream teas in the marquee, the great pasty auction and singing with the Lifeboat Singers and Friggin Riggin.

Competition was fierce during the kids' beach treasure hunt which was followed by an exciting crab fishing competition and face painting.

For full report and more colour pictures on the Lifeboat Day, see this week's 'Bude and Stratton Post'.