A fun day for all the family is promised at Largs RNLI open day on Saturday.

Highlights will include a Royal Navy helicopter exercise, a “Pico” paddle race, and lots more. The action starts at 12.30 with a lifeboat display, followed by the helicopter display in the open channel at 1.30pm.

There is a trophy up for grabs at 2pm when the Pico paddle race takes place — and the lifeboat volunteers are looking for participants.

The Pico dinghy is a small sailboat designed in the mid-1990s and used primarily for training and day sailing. Round-the-world sailor Ellen MacArthur is quoted as saying on the manufacturer’s site: “It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s cool!” Entrants have to be registered by noon on the day. Depending on the final number of entrants, there may need to be heats.

This is for persons aged 16 and over, and the RNLI require teams (to consist of four persons) to enter and confirm entry prior to the event. There is no entry fee.

Teams wishing to participate should contact Largs lifeboat station via Largs@rnli.co.uk with the team name, team members names and contact details (phone/email).

As well as a range of arts and crafts, there will also be face-painting for the kids.

The public will have the opportunity to go on board the lifeboat, ask questions and have their photograph taken on the boat with crew members.

Also attending the festivities will be the local police, the marine policing unit, Largs First Responders, Largs Resilience Team, The Firth of Clyde Coastal Rowing Club with two skiffs, Largs Women’s Lifeboat Guild, RNLI sea safety team and Largs model boat club with boats on display.