THE SALISBURY and Wilton fundraising branch of the RNLI are on the hunt for volunteers who can spare a few hours to help with their annual £15,000 mission.

Comprised of a committee and a collection crew of volunteers, the branch pulls in much-needed cash for the lifesaving activities of the RNLI.

The team has a very close relationship with the nearest Lifeboat Station at Mudeford, whose crew often support them at events.

The area covered by the branch has grown in the last few years and now includes all South Wiltshire and as far west as Shaftesbury in Dorset.

Stormy Stan and RNLI volunteer Janet at Salisbury Market.

A spokesperson said: “The number and range of our fundraising events have increased, and we are very keen to expand our collection crew.

“We hold collections at supermarkets and garden centres, sell RNLI merchandise from our pop-up shops in Salisbury Market and participate in local events such as Wallop Wheels and Wings and Downton Cuckoo Fair.

“We also hold two events in the Guildhall Square every year as part of the RNLI’s Mayday Appeal and Lifeboat Saturday national fundraising efforts.

“We are looking for additional volunteers to help us in our fundraising activities to help volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews to save lives at sea.

“Our enthusiastic collection crew has members of all ages, including many retired people who enjoy meeting our supporters around Wiltshire. You can volunteer for as many or as few events as you wish.”

For more information, contact branch chair Matthew Sykes by emailing rnlisalisburywilton@gmail.com