A CHRISTMAS meal for boatmen in Polperro has helped Looe Lifeboat to kit out its newest crew members.

Michelle Courtis, the owner of ‘Michelles’ in the village, had prepared a meal for the skippers of Polperro tripping boats to mark the end of their season.

The meal was free of charge, but Michelle asked for donations to Looe RNLI.

Meeting the crew of Looe’s Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II just as they returned to station, Michelle and her husband Tim were delighted to pass over a cheque for £390.

Crew Aaron Rix thanked Tim, Michelle and the boat skippers on behalf of all of everyone at the station, and helm Clive Palfrey, introduced the couple to Jennifer Crew and Will Jaycock, two of Looe RNLI’s three new volunteers.

Clive explained that the donation would be used towards the cost of the drysuits, lifejackets and helmets needed for the latest recruits.