MORE than £3,000 was raised for the RNLI thanks to the success of street collection in Salisbury.

Members of the Salisbury, Wilton and District Fundraising Branch of the RNLI took to Salisbury’s city centre on October 12 to raise money for the charity as part of a national incentive.

The ‘National Collection Week’ took place in October to mark the very first street collection by the RNLI, and any other charity, in 1891.

“That collection was significant as prior to that date, charities had been funded by wealthy benefactors rather than the general public,” a spokesperson said.

The opening ceremony Picture: RNLI Salisbury, Wilton & District Branch

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As part of the event, the Guildhall square and surrounding streets was bustling with activity with performances from the Shaftesbury Silver Band and two sea shanty groups – the Navy Larks and All at Sea.

The day was opened with a welcoming ceremony on the Guildhall steps attended by the deputy lieutenant of Wiltshire and the mayors of Salisbury and Wilton.

RNLI lifeboat crew from Mudeford also attended and there was a retail stall selling RNLI Christmas cards, gifts and other merchandise.

More than £3,000 was raised on the day Picture: RNLI Salisbury, Wilton & District Branch

Members of the local Scouts and Sea Cadets also assisted with the collection.

Ray Stedman, chairman of the Branch, said that the event was the culmination of a “busy and successful year of fundraising” by the branch during the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary.

He thanked Stannah Stairlifts, Occasions Marquee Hire and LED Synergy for their support.