Yet its frontline crew could not function were it not for the loyal network of fundraisers working behind the scenes.

And part of this network is the Grangemouth fundraising branch, which celebrated its 35th anniversary at the beginning of June.

The RNLI, which receives no government or Lottery funding, relies on money raised by local branches to reach the £340,000 a day needed to cover costs. The Grangemouth branch was set up in 1974 by Reverend Ean
Simpson and members have worked tirelessly over the years to help contribute towards that total.

Branch secretary Wendy Marshall said: "People tend to be very generous when it comes to lifeboats.

''We get a lot of people saying, 'I wouldn't be here if not for the lifeboats'. A lot of people also stop and tell us about their experiences with the lifeboats, especially during the war – it's quite humbling."

The branch, which is the only one left in Falkirk District, raises around £11,000 a year through a variety of ventures, such as its annual flag day, collections in Grangemouth and at Westfield football stadium, coffee mornings, dinners and ceilidhs. The branch also receives donations from golf and bowling clubs as well as from individuals.

With a fleet of 300 lifeboats, the RNLI operates throughout Britain and Ireland, rescuing around 8000 people a year. The nearest crew to Falkirk is in South Queensferry.

The local group is chaired by Grangemouth resident Harry Dougall, who has been involved in RNLI for 50 years and a member of the local branch for the last 25.

He said: "It is hard work trying to fundraise but people are very generous and we do well from that.

''Not much has changed over the last 35 years, we still do similar fundraisers but we do try and raise more each year and that can get hard."

The RNLI has become a family affair for Harry whose wife Isobel is souvenirs secretary for the branch.

Harry, who received a silver medal for service to RNLI in 2003, added: "A friend from the merchant navy got us involved in RNLI. It's a really worthy cause and the crews do an excellent job, often in terrible conditions."

While the crews offer crucial support to those in danger at sea, it is the work of the fundraisers which is celebrated at the annual meeting.
Held in Perth Concert Hall on June 2, the Grangemouth branch, which has 10 active members, was awarded for its long service.

Along with the 35-year award, three group members, Sharon Moyes, Aileen Hunter and Ronnie Winchcoe, all received certificates for their long-standing contribution to the organisation.

Ann Gordon, area fundraising manager for the RNLI said: "The volunteers in Grangemouth do an amazing job, they organise so many fantastic fundraisers.

''We really appreciate the work carried out by our volunteers, especially those far away from a lifeboat station. Without the hard work of volunteers like the Grangemouth branch, the RNLI couldn't continue to provide its lifesaving service at sea."

The Grangemouth committee, which is currently planning a collection day at The Mall Howgate in August, is always looking out for new volunteers.

Wendy said: "We're always happy to speak to anyone who wants to support us in any way. We hope to be going for another 35 years, which is why we need new members."