The RNLI’s Excellence in Volunteering Awards have recognised Walmer Lifeboat station volunteers Dawn Whitbread and Ann Austin.

The certificates hailed Mrs Whitbread’s efforts in the Walmer shop and in launching and running the Institution’s Betty’s Pots fundraising scheme - which has netted more than £2000 since its launch ten weeks ago.

Mrs Austin’s award also praises her work in the shop and her initiative in organising new fundraising events such as the Bangers and Mash and Ploughman’s lunches and building engagement within the local community.

Mrs Whitbread said: “With my husband David having just joined the station’s shore crew, I began volunteering in the shop.

“Working with other volunteers quickly made me feel part of the team."

Twenty two businesses now display the Betty’s Pots across Deal and Mrs Whitbread said: "We are delighted with the response.

"We’d also like to thank our boathouse manager Les Coe for all his support with sourcing supplies for the lunches, selling tickets and counting and banking all the 5p coins."