Visitors were granted permission to go aboard Lowestoft's lifeboat during the annual RNLI SOS fund raising event.

There was a rare chance to explore the Tyne offshore lifeboat and meet the crew during the event at the RNLI lifeboat station on the town's South Pier.

Home-made cakes baked by fund raisers and hot drinks were also on sale.

The open-day on Friday, which was one of hundreds being held for the RNLI across the country, raised more than £300 and the gift shop also reported strong takings.

Josie Moore, chairman of the fund raising team, said she was pleased with the turn out. She said: 'Everybody worked very hard.

'Considering the previous weather conditions, everyone did very well to come out and support us. I got the impression everyone was enjoying themselves as well.'