A SHIP club has donated more than £9,000 to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Maldon Little Ship Club has donated the huge sum which has been raised from proceeds of the sponsored Row and Gig race that was held in Maldon in January.

The club's commodore Iain Stubbs presented the RNLI with the cheque at the weekend, with retiring commodore Sue Woods handed over a cheque for £575 to the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance, her charity during her last year as commodore.

She also made a presentation from the RNLI to John Rogers in recognition of his organisation of the sponsored row for eight years.

Maldon mayor Jeanette Stilts presented fifteen dayskipper and two yachtmaster students with their RYA certificates in navigation and seamanship which they had worked hard for in evening classes held during the winter months.

Their Royal Yacht Association tutor Bernie Barratt was also presented with a retirement gift from the club after giving nearly 20 years of service.

Commodore Iain Stubbs said: “This is a great event for the club, it showcases what we aim to achieve with our charity fundraising and contribution to sea safety as an RYA training centre.

“It is great to have the support on the mayor and Maldon town councillors at an evening thoroughly enjoyed by students, club members and guests.

"We now look forward to a good season ahead; sailors, motor boaters and non sailors are all welcome to join us either in the clubhouse on the Hythe quay or on the water.”

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