With the big “40” approaching, at the beginning of last year, the Largs RNLI Fundraising Committee set itself a challenge to break through the £40,000 barrier for what it would raise in 2018.

The impressive final total at the end of December was over £43,000.

Scottish RNLI Chairman, Roger Lockwood sent a message of support: “What an achievement! Very many congratulations to you and the Fundraising Branch.

"I know you have a relatively small committee and branch so what you have achieved is a testament to your hard work and commitment."

Branch spokeswoman Cathy Holgate said “We all think this is an absolutely fantastic and are very proud and excited about what we have done. It involved lots of hard work by the team who drew up a plan for the year’s events, and got on with them! It has really paid off but it would not have happened without the wonderful support of the local businesses who help us practically and financially throughout the year; our local paper that promotes our events before and after they happen with photos and written details, and of course, the local people and visitors to the town who come and join us in whatever we are doing."