TENBY residents helped raise a record figure for the RNLI with the Yorkshire Building Society’s fundraising drive.

The Tenby branch of the building society raised a fantastic £3,935 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution which was part of a total donation of £350,000, marking the end of its most successful charity partnership in its 150 year history.

At the building society's branch on Tudor Square, the team held numerous events to raise money for the charity that saves lives at sea.

These included a curry night at Tenby Golf Club and running a stall at Tenby Market with all proceeds going to the RNLI.

Around £1,000 was raised thanks to Basil the dog (pictured) who became an unofficial RNLI mascot and was featured on special bookmarks sold for the cause.

Sian Rees, Yorkshire Building Society’s Tenby branch manager, said: “Across our two year partnership with the RNLI, the commitment that our staff and members have shown in helping us raise £3,935 proves that this is a charity which resonates with people across all communities. This has especially been highlighted in the last few months of horrific weather where we have seen the key role the RNLI has played in supporting those affected by the flooding.”

The money raised by the Society will be used to help the RNLI train even more vital lifesaving volunteers. The £350,000 donated to the charity over the two years will train 278 RNLI volunteer crew members.

Sian added: “Our partnership with the RNLI has been a memorable and fantastic one and I am proud to have achieved our goal in helping the RNLI increase trained volunteers.”

RNLI Chief Executive, Paul Boissier, said: “As a charity, the RNLI relies on generous donations to continue its lifesaving service. We are extremely grateful to Yorkshire Building Society, its members and colleagues, for their outstanding support. Their dedication and enthusiasm over the past two years has resulted in a fantastic fundraising achievement.

“Only one in ten of the RNLI’s volunteer crew members comes from a maritime background, so the rigorous training we provide them is essential. The donation from Yorkshire Building Society will fund training for 278 crew members – meaning they can head out to sea confident in how to rescue others and take care of themselves in whatever conditions they may face.”