LONG-SERVING fundraisers for the RNLI in Penarth have been honoured this week.

It is thanks to the work of volunteers such as Anne Bromley and Pam Walton that the Penarth Lifeboat Appeal, which we are backing, is approaching the final stretch.

Ms Walton received a RNLI gold badge, awarded for outstanding charitable work, while Ms Bromley received a bar to same badge, which she received previously.

Ms Bromley has volunteered for Penarth RNLI fundraisers for more than 40 years, firstly as a guild member and then later asa a committee member and shop leader.

Ms Walton first started volunteering on the Isle of Man at the age of 12, putting pins in flags for events.

In 1975, she moved to Penarth and offered to help in whichever ways she could.

Working with all the shop volunteers, she manages opening times and volunteer cover for the shop, while dedicating time to the counter herself.

A spokesman for Penarth RNLI said called her a "highly respected" part of the Penarth shop team, having contributed an "amazing" amount of time to the cause.

Regarding Ms Bromley, the spokesman added: "She has given her time and expertise without question and has maintained strong links with the lifeboat station."

He added: "Thanks need to go to all the volunteers who comprise the fundraising branch, and organise collections and events throughout the year.

"Without the efforts of all of the RNLI volunteers in Penarth, there would not be the monies to help fund the lifesaving work that Penarth Lifeboat Station volunteers undertake."

The total money raised for the Penarth Lifeboat Appeal now stands at £44,500 - just £7,500 away from the £52,000 target, which will provide a D Class inshore lifeboat for the station.

Please help us raise the final amount by getting involved.

No matter how big or small your fundraising event or idea, let us know and we will help publicise it.

We will also try to cover as many events as possible.

Send any fundraising ideas to reporter Anthony Lewis at penarthtimes@penarthtimes.co.uk or contact the appeal team at penarth@rnli.org.uk.

To donate directly send a cheque made payable to Penarth Lifeboat Appeal to Penarth Lifeboat Station, The Esplanade, Penarth, CF64 3AU.

You can also donate online by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/penarthlifeboatappeal1.