THE Downing Street Charity Shop has donated £1,000 to the Farnham branch of the Royal National Lifeboats Institution (RNLI).

Chairman of Farnham RNLI David Urbani visited the shop in person last month to receive the cheque from proprietor Lady Tindle, and thanked the shop for its support.

The RNLI must raise £410,000 a day to maintain its lifesaving services and the charity receives no government subsidies, relying on donations from members of the public.

As well as providing a 24-hour search and rescue service at sea, the charity’s volunteers also respond to floods such as those affecting the Somerset levels in 2013/14.

Last year, the institution rescued 10,496 people - of whom 460 people wouldn’t have survived had it not been for the actions of the lifeboat crew.

It also equipped 494,000 children with the knowledge they need to stay safe, as well as training more than 5,900 people in life-saving skills in 2014.

Over recent years, Farnham RNLI has helped fund a £60,000 inflatable boat serving the Thames river and estuary, and an extension to the Hayling Island lifeboat station.

The branch hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, including an annual quiz in Rowledge and regular street collections.

Anyone interested in joining its band of volunteers can call David Urbani on 01252 711596 or email [email protected].