Exmouth RNLI opened the doors of its boathouse to the public, putting on displays, exercises and attractions to keep the public entertained

Scores of visitors flocked to the station, near Maer Rocks, where they were given guided tours of the boathouse and the all-weather and inshore lifeboats.

Later in the day the inshore lifeboat crew and the RNLI lifeguards showed the public how the charity’s lifesavers work together to rescue a paddle boarder.

Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton RNLI Guild raised �890 for the sea safety charity, while takings at the shop reached �662.

Two members of Exmouth RNLI Guild, who recently had their hard work and dedication recognised when they were both presented with an award, attended to talk about the work of the charity.

Postal workers Bernice and Geoffrey Williams were both awarded a silver badge in recognition of their services to the RNLI.

The pair was presented with their badges by Paul Boissier, chief executive of the RNLI, at the charity’s headquarters in Poole.

Kevin Riley, lifeboat operations manager, said: “It was a busy day despite the weather and we’d like to thank all the volunteers for their time and the visitors for their generosity.

“We are a busy station and rely on the public to support this life saving charity.

“Later in the day we were tasked to two incidents at sea.”

Youngsters attending the event were given the chance to launch a model lifeboat ahead of the all-weather lifeboat demonstration.

The sea safety team handed out leaflets, offering advice on a number of topics, including lifejackets and flares.

A cake stall held on the day proved a popular attraction with many of the goods selling out in the first hour.

Stall organiser Sue Lough said: “Next year I will have cook double the amount of cakes and gingerbread men as they were so popular.”

Eunice Parker, of Exmouth, won the weight-of-the-cake competition, correctly guessing 10 Ib 2 � oz.