A 14-year-old’s prowess on the piano not only raised enough money to train and kit out a Poole lifeboat crew member, it has now gained her the national RNLI youth award.

Rachel Matthews received her supporters award at the charity’s national presentations held at the Barbican Centre in London, accompanied by five proud representatives from Poole lifeboat station.

The teenager from Corfe Mullen set out to raise funds by playing daily piano sessions at the Slipway Bar in the RNLI College in Poole.

She ended up giving 70 performances over 11 months and raising £2,285.39.

The magnificent sum was enough to train and kit out a crew member with £50 to spare.

Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark said: “We are all very proud of Rachel.”