TWO Preston volunteers are riding the crest of a wave as they are to be honoured for their service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) at an awards ceremony in London.

Anne Duncan, 64, of Oakfield in Ashton, and Barbara Rickards, 52, of Alcester Avenue, Penwortham, have supported the charity for more than 70 years between them.

They have served as officers for the lifeboat charity for 20 years, and in recognition of this will be presented gold badge awards by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson on Thursday, May 16, at a ceremony at the Barbican Centre.

Anne, who has three grown-up sons, joined the RNLI in 1966 and has raised cash for the charity by holding coffee mornings, fish and chip suppers and collections.

"I've baked a lot of cakes and scones during my time," she said. "We've had some fun times and the Maritime Festival at Preston Docks was great. When the Onedin Line was on television we were responsible for admitting people on to the Charlotte Rose which was featured on the programme." said Anne.

Anne, who served as chairman of the Ashton and Lea branch from March 1989 until June last year, is now a committee member of the Penwortham and Ashton Branch. She was awarded a silver badge in 1992, for ten years' service as an officer.

Barbara has been involved with the charity since she was 16 and used to collect door-to-door. As a primary school supply teacher Barbara also organises sponsored swims with local children to raise money for the good cause.

She said: "The RNLI is made up of volunteers the lifeguards do a wonderful job, risking their lives to save others" Barbara has been collection box secretary for the Penwortham branch since 1974 and was awarded her silver medal in 1989. To find out more about the RNLI, call 01202-663000.