THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution saves lives at sea and I wonder if your readers are aware that their unwanted jewellery and similar items can support this vital task.

Since 1986 our Jewellery Appeal has raised over £427,000 for lifeboat funds, a sum which would buy five-speed Atlantic 75 rigid inflatable inshore lifeboats.

I would be delighted to receive any good quality items of jewellery that are no longer required, such as rings, brooches, bracelets, chains and watches. Gold and silver articles and small objets d'art would be very much appreciated, as would war medals and memorabilia, decorations and badges.

The RNLI is funded entirely by voluntary contributions and legacies.

Our lifeboatmen and women are volunteers too and they are always ready to exchange the warmth and comforts of home for cold, wet and danger to help those in distress at sea.

Over 21,000 lives have been saved by the RNLI since our appeal began.

Please help me to turn unwanted jewellery into funds to support the lifeboats so that our brave crews can continue to carry out their essential work.

ROY NORGROVE MBE, JP, Appeal Organiser, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.