A novel way to raise funds has been created by Black Rock Beach Hire at Millendreath beach.

Proprietor Simon Lawes noticed that many visitors to the beach either had not bought beach items, such as buckets and spades or body boards, or simply discarded their equipment at the end of their day on the beach.

Simon set up several large buckets containing a range of beach items, along with a notice offering the equipment on loan for the day, in return for a donation to Looe Lifeboats. 

Although only running the scheme during the summer, Simon, his wife Helen and son Matthew have already generated almost £500.

Asked why he set up the scheme, Simon said: ‘It was a light bulb moment, totally out of the blue. However it has been well received and I imagine the scheme could be replicated in many other beaches.’