Lifeboats sail down River Mersey for RNLI anniversary

Crews celebrated RNLI's bi-centenary at Liverpool's Pier Head by recreating an image from 1999

A flotilla of lifeboats has recreated an old image against the Liverpool skyline as part of events to mark the 200 years of the RNLI.

The charity said it has saved the lives of some 146,000 people across the UK and Ireland since its launch in 1874, including 4,356 in north-west England.

Vessels sailed on the River Mersey at midday in a tribute to volunteers.

Jo Partner, from the RNLI, said the event was a reminder of those who donate to the charity.

Volunteers on lifeboats from Lytham, West Kirby, Hoylake and New Brighton and a hovercraft recreated an image taken 25 years ago sailing past Liverpool's famous Pier Head.

An RNLI crew pictured on St Annes beach in Lancashire

The charity was founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824 after an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived in the Isle of Man.

Since then, its crews have launched the lifeboats about 16,000 times in Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria.

Crosby beach on Merseyside is the only British beach which is patrolled year-round by its lifeguards.

Lifeboats sail past Liverpool Pier Head in 1999