A Hartlepool Girl Guides group raised £200 for the Hartlepool RNLI by doing a Smartie challenge.

Members of the 34th Hartlepool Girl Guides group collected as many 20 pence coins in Smartie tubes as possible, raising money they then hand delivered to the RNLI’s Ferry Road Lifeboat Station.

Group leader, Rachel Cornelius, said: “The girls really enjoyed the visit.

"They were trying kit on, had a tour of the all weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat and learned a lot about sea safety at the same time.”

Alice Harper (left) and Mia Dale are pictured with one of the Mayday Mayday badges. Photo credit Tom Collins RNLI.

placeholder image — Alice Harper (left) and Mia Dale are pictured with one of the Mayday Mayday badges. Photo credit Tom Collins RNLI.

The Girl Guides were also presented with their Mayday Mayday badge, a water safety challenge badge created in partnership with the RNLI.

Rachel said: “It teaches members of all ages –Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers – crucial water survival and safety skills.”

Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat visits officer, Jimmy Slaughter, said: “On behalf of all the volunteer crew, can I say thank you for the very generous donation which will help save lives at sea.”