TWO veteran fundraisers for New Brighton lifeboat have been given Gold Badge awards in recognition of their dedication and support to the life-saving charity.

Rita Richards and Selby Williams were presented with their awards and certificates of thanks by the resort's lifeboat chairman Tony Jones.

Both are members of New Brighton Lifeboat Fundraising Branch, previously known as the Wallasey Ladies Lifeboat Guild, who are dedicated to raising money for the station through activities like collections and coffee mornings.

Mr Jones said: "It was a great privilege for me to present these awards to Rita and Selby.

"It's dedication like theirs and thousands like them around the country that enables our charity carry out the work we do.

"Locally the work of the guild is invaluable to our station as the money raised goes a long way to help cover our substantial running costs.

"The contribution these two ladies have made over the years has been significant. Well done from all at the station."

Mary Wright, secretary of the branch said Rita joined as a committee member in 1987 and is "incredibly-appreciated."

She said: "Rita continues today as souvenir secretary and even though the boxes are getting heavier and heavier, she still happily holds the role for the branch.

"In 2011 she took over collection of ten local collecting boxes rather than see them stop to maximise income for the guild and lifeboat station,.

"She's a fantastic and dedicated fundraiser."

Mrs Wright said Selby joined in 1986 and has been invaluable ever since.

"Her keen attention to detail and efficient organisational skills were swiftly recognised," she said.

"For 24 years she held the role of branch treasurer reluctantly standing down in 2013, but continuing with us.

"She always kept us fully-informed of our financial progress and could be relied upon for collections whatever the weather - a real trooper."