A GLAMOROUS ball which celebrated the achievements of Burnham-on-Sea RNLI raised more than £5,000 for the rescue service.

More than 200 volunteers and supporters of the RNLI packed into the Batch Country Hotel in Lympsham on Saturday (October 18) to enjoy a night of entertainment.

The ball, which was organised by Burnham RNLI, aimed to raise funds and awareness of the RNLI’s key campaigns.

Visitors were greeted at the door by helmsman Nick Edrish and Marc Smith and were welcomed by a speech from Burnham RNLI chairman Ashley Edwards.

Guests then watched a short video presentation about the RNLI’s work, enjoyed a meal from chefs at the Batch Country Hotel and live entertainment from Somerset band, Six Machine.

Matt Davies, lifeboat operations manager for Burnham RNLI, said: “This is an amazing result for our lifeboat station.

“Grateful thanks go to all our sponsors, volunteer crew and crews’ families, plus others too numerous to mention.”

After the meal, guests watched a video presentation about the RNLI’s key values and a video from Tim Walters and Marc Smith, organisers of the event, where they thanked Matt Davies for his devotion and management at the station over last twelve months.

They also presented Matt’s wife, Emma, with a bouquet of flowers and Tim Walters with a thank you gift.

Phill Counsell, launch authority for Burnham RNLI, said: “We were looked after really well by the Batch staff and the venue was ideal for our needs.”