BIKES, lifeboats and a tall ship all put some ‘welly’ into an innovative fundraiser.

This week saw the RNLI’s Yellow Welly Rally reach Dorset.

The fundraiser is taking place this month along the South Coast. From Portishead to Harwich, the welly is being passed from one lifeboat station to the next, in a chain of 65 stations. The idea is to pass it in as innovative a way possible.

Nationally May is the month for the RNLI to fundraise as ‘May Day’ is the distress signal used by mariners in trouble.

Volunteer lifeboat crews wear the trademark yellow wellies when they are out on an emergency ‘shout.’

On Sunday, five of the Weymouth volunteer crew and several supporters, took on the challenge to pass on their welly to their colleagues in Swanage.

Setting out early, the cyclists arrived at Swanage station at 1.30pm greeted by lifeboat volunteers ans Stormy Stan. They handed over the footwear before heading back to Weymouth – a total round trip of 78 miles.

It was then passed onto volunteers at Poole.

Michael England, Padstow RNLI mechanic and Deputy Second Coxswain, said: "RNLI volunteer crew members are willing to drop everything to go and save lives at sea when their pagers beep. Our lifeboat crew kit is absolutely vital when we’re out in all weathers saving lives at sea.

"Last year, RNLI crews launched 8,851 times and saved 431 lives. The Mayday campaign is our own call for help and we’re asking people to do their bit to fund our kit throughout May.

"There are all sorts of ways to raise money for Mayday. From wearing wellies to work or doing a sponsored welly walk, to holding a bake sale or doing a sponsored cycle ride."

Donate at justgiving.com/maydaywellyrelay or to find out more about the fundraising month and how to get involved, visit rnli.org/mayday.