Looe Lifeboat's boathouse crewroom was packed with people attending the Looe RNLI annual meeting.

The Chairman, Ann Watson, gave a review of the year, with more fundraising events than ever – from car boot sales to Plymouth half-marathons to cream teas and more than 18 different fundraising events.

Fundraising income has exceeded the previous year despite these difficult times.

Ann thanked all the committee for their hard work which has resulted in such a successful year and a full calendar for the coming year.

Dave Nicoll, fundraising manager for the South West and Isles of Scilly, gave a short overview of fundraising efforts.

Some £3m has been raised in the South West and £750,000 in Cornwall. The Looe shop is in the top three RNLI souvenir shops in the UK.

Despite the operating costs of £138m to run the RNLI nationally, last year income exceeded expenditure, although some major projects have been put on hold.

Dave Haines, Looe's RNLI Operations Manager, reported that there were 34 shouts during the year and there have been 5 shouts so far this year. There are 18 crew and 6 shore-based helpers.

Daytime cover is tight, although there have been new recruits who have started training.

In the UK, two out of three people visit a beach and RNLI Lifeguards protect five million swimmers on beaches patrolled by the lifeguards

Two Longstanding Service awards were presented by Dave Nicoll to John Cuttell (Boathouse Manager, above right) and Craig Rich (outgoing President, left) who together have given 40 years' voluntary service to the RNLI.

Looe RNLI is always looking for volunteers, either crew, shore based or fundraising committee. Anyone interested can contact Laurie Watson on 01503262265.