Crew members at Caister lifeboat will be tucking into a feast on Christmas Day after they were each donated a turkey treat.

Poultry firm Bernard Matthews donated one of its Golden Norfolk turkeys to each of the volunteer team in recognition of the service they provide and the important role they play in the community.

The donation has become an annual tradition and this week 30 of the roasting birds were delivered by Bernard Matthews' HR Manager Andrew Sherwood along with a cheque for £1,200.

Lifeboat chairman and crew member Paul Garrod, said: 'Bernard Matthews started supporting us 20 years ago. He used to bring the turkeys down for us and he has continued to do so. We all look forward to the gesture and really appreciate it.

'This year we were able to take Andrew out for lunch to thank him, and so may it continue. We all genuinely appreciate everything they do for us.'

Before his passing in 2010, Bernard Matthews was a key supporter of the lifeboat and over the years, two boats have proudly used his name. Mr Garrod added: 'It costs us £160,000 a year to run our lifeboat so we rely on generous donations throughout the year.

'A lot of our crew members and helpers often get overlooked so we would like to say a massive thank you to Bernard Matthews as a company, and also his family, who still support us and look after us all year round.'

Mr Sherwood added: 'Caister Lifeboat was very close to the heart of Mr Matthews and he was a long term supporter. People across our business are aware of how important Caister Lifeboat was not just for him, but also for the community.

'It gives us all a lot of pleasure and pride to continue to support Caister Lifeboat and this is a small show of our appreciation for their on-going bravery, courage and commitment to risking their lives for others.'

Do you know about a goodwill Christmas gesture? E-mail joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk