THIS year's Hoylake Lifeboat Day has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, its organisers confirmed today.

The fundraising event is normally held on the August Bank Holiday and raises thousands for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Carole Jackson BEM, chairman of Hoylake & West Kirby Lifeboats Fundraising Committee, told the Globe this afternoon: "It‘s with heavy hearts that we announce that Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Open Day will not be going ahead this year.

"But it‘s been impossible for us to organise this year’s Lifeboat Open Day due to Government restrictions and on-going uncertainty around COVID-19.

"We have a duty of care to our volunteer lifeboat crews and fundraisers, as well as to the many visitors, exhibitors and vendors who would normally attend to show their support for our lifesaving charity.

"It's important that we help to keep everyone safe and well.

"We hope that in the coming months, we may be able to hold some smaller fundraising events and help our volunteer crews to continue saving lives at sea, so please keep a lookout on our social media and website for future announcements."

Appealing for the public's continued support throughout the crisis, Carole continued: "Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the RNLI’s ability to fundraise in the community, so your donations are now more important than ever."

"RNLI volunteers remain on call 24 hours a day ready to respond to coastal emergencies, often putting their own safety at risk and particularly in light of the on-going pandemic.

"Just in the past fortnight, Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI volunteers have been called out a total of seven times."

"If you’re able to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work, you can donate online by using the 'Donate' button on RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station’s Facebook page or by visiting www.RNLI.org/Donate.

"Alternatively, donations by cheque can be sent to: Honorary Treasuer Hoylake Lifeboat Station North Parade Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3AL.

"Thank you for your continued support and understanding in these difficult times."