AS CASH-STRAPPED lifeboat crews launch an appeal for funds to pay training costs a local mayor has spoken out against lack of government funding for the RNLI.

Speaking at the launch of Fylde Crew Training Appeal on Wednesday, June 4, the Blackpool Mayor and President of Fylde Lifeboats, Lily Henderson praised the efforts of fund-raisers so far.

But she claims central government should offer more support to the organisation and its crew members.

Cllr Henderson said: "It's wonderful that local organisations and people are prepared to get out there and fund raise for the lifeboats.

"But crew training should be centrally funded, not relying upon donations from the general public. It's unfair to put crew members and RNLI supporters under so much pressure.

"Lifeboat crew members save hundreds of lives each year by putting themselves in danger, but nobody ever thinks about them until disaster strikes and they are needed to attend emergencies.

"These are often family men and women and there should be more support for them and their training from the government."

Since its launch in 1824 the RNLI has saved more than 136,000 lives and now spends more than £103m each year to keep its operations running smoothly.

Despite its obvious connections to all things maritime, less than 10 per cent of volunteers have seafaring experience and the organisation needs to maintain an on-going training programme for all its recruits.

An estimated £25,000 is needed to ensure that Lifeboat training at centres in Fleetwood, Blackpool and Lytham continues over the next two years.

Lifeboat crew members, Peter Barnes, 27, of Grange Park, and Shaun Wright, 29, of South Shore, say cash for training is invaluable for the job.

Married father-of-two, Peter said: "I was born and bred in Blackpool but, before I joined the crew here in Blackpool. I had no seafaring experience.

"I've found the training courses to be invaluable because they cover everything from first aid to engineering and enables us to deal with every situation from a big disaster to a single person rescue."

Father-of-three, Shaun said: "At the end of the day the things we learn as volunteer crew members help us to save lives.

"Some would say that you can't put a price on training like that but, unfortunately in the real world, you can.

"So we'd urge anybody who can help to do so."

Anybody interested in helping the Fylde Crew Training Appeal should contact Jean Raffaelli on 07836 605466 or email jean_raffaelli@