Tim Chapman using morse code to communicate with other radio enthusiasts during the Bittern DX group's marathon broadcast in aid of the RNLI

A band of north Norfolk radio fans have been harnessing the international air waves to raise money for the RNLI.

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Members of the Bittern DX amateur radio group set up antennae and aerials at Sheringham’s lifeboat station for a sponsored 36-hour broadcast, in aid of the rescue charity’s SOS campaign - its biggest national fundraising event.

The team went live at 10am yesterday and were expected to finish their mammoth broadcasting session at 3pm today.

Using the call sign GB5SLB they have been making contact with fellow radio enthusiasts from across the globe through a variety of channels, including morse code.

By this afternoon they had spoken to people in 23 different countries from as far away as Russia’s Pacific coast.

Steve Balding, chairman of the Bittern DX group, said: “We like doing special events and we raise money throughout the year for many different organisations. One of our members, Kenny Holloway, is an ex-lifeboat man and we heard about SOS.

“We’ve been talking to radio groups throughout the country this weekend to raise awareness and help raise money for the RNLI.”

Jim Whiteside, who was manning the group’s voice transmitter this afternoon, said he had enjoyed talking to people in lifeboat stations across the country and discussing Sheringham as many contacts he had made were familiar with the popular seaside town.

“Lots of people know Sheringham because they come here on holidays and say ‘do you know so and so’. Others want to know how we’re set up and want to talk technical,” he added.

Mr Balding said the weather had not been ideal this weekend but he and the team were keeping their fingers crossed for better conditions next weekend, when they will be back at the station for another non-stop broadcast.

● To sponsor the group in its efforts for the RNLI visit www.justgiving.com/gb5slb