DONATIONS in memory of a well-known Whitehaven woman will help bring a new lifeboat to the area.

Pauline Beck, 54, a supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, passed away suddenly in March.

Her friends and family have now raised £700 in her name and they presented the money to the RNLI last week.

"Pauline was well known in town, she worked in Boots and her husband Tom has always been in the boat club," said Ian Banton, a member of Whitehaven Sailing and Boating Association.

"The money was raised by her friends and family after she sadly died earlier this year. She always helped to organise our presentation nights and was always seen around the harbour."

He added: "The Beck family have been among a group of people raising money for the lifeboat appeal over the years. The lifeboat was her charity and the donations prove how popular she was."

Pauline's husband Tom Beck and her daughter Sarah met the Workington based lifeboat crew to hand over the cheque.

The money will help replace the Tyne class boat - Sir John Fisher - with the latest Shannon class lifeboat next year.

Ian said: "Every 20 or so years the RNLI try to update the lifeboats, the crew will have to take training courses and it'll run alongside the old one for a fortnight.

Coxswain John Stobbart was present to receive the donation after his crew had carried out a practice session - involving returning a disabled yacht to the harbour.

The RNLI provide an on call, 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland. The lifesaving service is mainly provided by volunteers and backed by donations.

To find out more about the charity or to donate visit www.rnli.org