ORGANISERS of Hoylake Lifeboat Day have cancelled the event "with heavy hearts" for a second year due to the pandemic.

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

It was called off last year, as social distancing measures introduced to tackle the virus' spread.

Carole Jackson BEM, chairman of Hoylake & West Kirby Lifeboats Fundraising Committee, told the Globe this afternoon that it was "with heavy hearts" that a decision had been taken not to go ahead with the event this year.

Carole said: "Our annual community fundraising event is normally held on the August Bank Holiday and raises thousands of pounds for the RNLI.

"'It's been impossible for us to organise this year’s Lifeboat Open Day due to Government restrictions on social distancing 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 bucket collections to help our volunteer crews to continue saving lives at sea, so please keep a lookout on our social media and website for future announcements.

"Last year we had great support from local residents, pubs, and cafes, who organised some excellent small charity events in their gardens, roads, and streets, those events raised many hundreds of pounds for us and we are hoping that the residents will again support us in our efforts to raise funds. 

"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. 

"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: Station Treasurer Hoylake Lifeboat Station North Parade Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3AL