VOLUNTEERS at RNLI lifeboat stations in South East Cornwall are supporting a bid to raise money to buy new lifejackets which will keep rescuers safer.

A total of £220,000 is required and each lifeboat station has been given a target to raise a specific amount, depending on the number of lifejackets needed.

Many of the stations, including Fowey, will be using the RNLI's annual SOS day on January 27 to raise money.

The two new types of lifejacket were designed after collaboration between the RNLI and the manufacturer to meet the charity's current search and rescue requirements.

The RNLI explained that in 1854 one of the charity's inspectors, Captain Ward, invented a cork lifejacket which proved to be a lifesaver.

Since then there have been many advancements but recently the charity has been working closely with volunteers to gather detailed feedback into the development process for even more safety-conscious lifejackets.

The lifejackets will provide increased safety and a comfortable, secure fit for all sizes and shapes of volunteers.

They will include crotch straps to prevent lifejackets riding up over the wearer's head when they are in water, and an integrated harness designed to pull the lifejacket away from the neck, allowing greater freedom of movement while rescuing people.

There are also zipped pockets for care kits, torches, gloves or knives, and a hood designed to protect the wearer from sea spray.

SOS Day is the charity's biggest fundraising event, with themed events to take in Swift On Saddles and Soap Our Saloons.

The old lifejackets will be recycled, with the steel and brass components and the fabric being used to ensure the charity generates some money to offset the cost of the new lifejackets, and making their disposal environmentally friendly.