RNLI members mark 200th anniversary with service at York Minster

RNLI members were honoured in a service at York Minster

Members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have attended a service at York Minster to mark the charity's 200th anniversary.

The service was led by the Dean of York and included a procession and readings from volunteers and staff.

Since it was founded in 1824, its volunteer crews and lifeguards have saved a total of 146,277 lives.

It operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland and has seasonal lifeguards on 240 beaches.

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: "The Minster and the RNLI share a common purpose: The saving of souls."

"It is therefore a privilege to be able to honour the remarkable achievement of the RNLI in saving more than 146,000 people over its 200-year history."

Ahead of the service he said he hoped communities would join in "celebrating all those people who do extraordinary things to keep our seas and inland waters safe today and inspire a new generation of lifesavers and supporters for tomorrow".

Volunteers and staff participated in the service on Saturday

Matt McNally, a volunteer from the Cleethorpes Lifeboat Station, said he was honoured to be chosen to give a reading at the service about life as a volunteer.

He said it was an "wonderful opportunity to commemorate and reflect on the history of the RNLI as well as celebrating all that we do to save lives at sea".

The RNLI was founded on 4 March 1824 by Sir William Hillary.

It has continued to be funded by donations and legacies and relies on volunteers to undertake its work.

RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: "For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable.

"As our crews and supporters in the North and North East mark this milestone of the RNLI at York Minster we remember the achievements and commitment of all those who have been part of the RNLI family over the past two centuries."