A SPECIAL anniversary flag is to be flown in Fowey on March 4 - which is the RNLI's 175th birthday.

Maroons are also to be fired from all 222 lifeboat stations in the country, including Fowey's.

The usual inshore lifeboat stationed at Fowey is currently on its annual refit at Cowes, Isle of Wight, and has been replaced by a relief boat. The bigger Trent lifeboat will be off station in April when she goes on her first three-yearly refit. This month the crew will be starting a intensive five week first aid course.

The Fowey committee of the RNLI will be holding a buffet night with music on February 26 at Chuffers Restaurant. Seats can be booked by telephoning Chuffers or Tamsin Thomas on Fowey 832511. The committee have thanked the proprietor of Chuffers, Mike Rudd, who has donated the evening to the RNLI