US$50,000 (£31,000) has been donated to the RNLI in the region from the North 150 Fund, which provides a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service, with £16,000 funding crew kit at Cullercoats, Blyth, Newbiggin and Craster lifeboat stations and a further £15,000 will fund training at Sunderland lifeboat station.
The cheque was presented to Frank Major, Chairman of Sunderland RNLI lifeboat station, who said 'We are very grateful to North of England P&I Association for this generous donation to our charity. The RNLI relies on donations from the public and contributions from companies like this to carry out our lifesaving work. Because of this money, the volunteer crew at Sunderland lifeboat station will receive vital training while fellow lifeboat men and women at Cullercoats, Blyth, Newbiggin and Craster will be provided with new kit. On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, I'd like to thank North of England P&I Association for their support, which will help our lifeboat volunteers save lives off the north east coast.'
North's donation has contributed to training and new kit in the region:
 |  |
 |  |
If you or any of your family and friends are interested in volunteering for the RNLI, please visit www.rnli.org.uk/deckhands.