PORTISHEAD'S RNLI lifeboat station has taken part in a 200th anniversary scroll relay event.

Representatives from the North Somerset station took part in the event on Sunday, April 21, which sees a scroll being passed through various RNLI communities.

The purpose of the relay event is to connect RNLI communities and unite them under the charity's pledge, which reads: "Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives.

"We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible.

"That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver."

Tony Hancorn, Sue Weston, Bob Crane, Simon Perks, Dave Slack and Geoff Daw, plus one representative from the South Bristol Fundraising Branch Paul Churchill, signed the scroll.

Tony Hancorn, volunteer Launch Authority at Portishead, said: "I was honoured to be asked to sign the scroll as one of the representatives of RNLI Portishead’s ‘One Crew’.

"The scroll highlights the selflessness and dedication of all our volunteers across the UK and Ireland in the Charity’s 200th year of saving lives at sea."

The five-metre-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI locations around the UK and Ireland during the course of seven months, before ending up at Douglas on the Isle of Man.

This was home to the RNLI's founder, Sir William Hillary.

Anjie Rook, RNLI associate director, who is overseeing the RNLI’s 200th anniversary programmes, said: "The Connecting our Communities relay is one of the most significant events of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year as it’s all about our people.

"For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is – from our brave lifesavers who risk their lives to save others, to the committed fundraisers and generous donors who fund our lifesaving work.

"We asked our communities to express interest in participating in this event and we have been overwhelmed by the response – we’re thrilled to have representation from our stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland.

"Everything about the scroll – from the design and materials, to the wording printed on it and the locations it’s travelling to – reflects the communities we serve.

"By the end of the relay we will have an important document which will become part of the charity’s history and a significant snapshot of the charity as it stands at 200 years old."