RNLI benefits from auction of Isle of Man classic car collection

The RNLI is one of several charities to benefit from the sale

The sale of a "distinguished" collection of classic cars has led to a major cash boost for the RNLI after the vehicles were bequeathed to charity.

Former banker Robert Riding's collection raised £1.1m at auction, leaving the RNLI and other charitable causes with £750,000 between them.

The RNLI's Helen Hopkins said the charity was "incredibly grateful" to Mr Riding, who died in May.

The charity was founded in 1824 by Douglas resident Sir William Hillary.

Robert Riding moved to the Isle of Man when he retired in 1990

Ms Hopkins said money left to the charity in wills covered the cost of 60% of all lifeboat launches and the gifts made a "huge difference".

The 15 cars, which included a 1926 Rolls Royce, Bentleys, and a Maserati, went under the hammer at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford.

The collection was described by auctioneers as a "marvellous cross section of some of the best of the last century's most sought-after cars".

Mr Riding, who worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland, moved to the Isle of Man in 1990 and played an active role in a number of local Manx societies.