Published: Thursday, 22nd July, 2010 9:22am

RNLI fete organisers hoping to sail past record

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ORGANISERS of tomorrow's (Saturday's) RNLI Lifeboat Fete Day are praying for sunny weather as they aim to build on the success of last year's record-breaking day.

The event is Dunbar RNLI's biggest fundraiser of the year, and contributes towards the running and upkeep of the town's two lifeboats.

Tomorrow's events centre on Victoria Harbour. The area will be decked out in bunting with stalls, bars and barbecues lining the quay. Also taking place will be the popular raft race in the harbour waters.

One of the busiest stations in Scotland, Dunbar's lifeboat crew has already had an eventful year - including a prestigious Bronze Medal for Gallantry for coxswain Gary Fairbairn for his part in a daring rescue of a couple last year in the stormy Firth of Forth.

Events kick off with a parade through the town starting outside the health centre at about 1.30pm. From there, lifeboat queen Rosie Gemmell and her court will make their way to the quayside, where stalls selling a range of local produce, home baking, fresh fish, flowers and much more will be available.

Veronica Davies, station fundraising committee convener said: "We are hoping to build on the success of last year's record breaking fete day - we have all the ingredients ready for a great afternoon of interest and entertainment - all we need now is the weather!

"It really is a massive effort on behalf of a great number of people which work very hard to have everything ready on the day."

Paul Winkle, director of Torness nuclear power station, will open tomorrow's fete.

A limited number of spaces are still available for the raft race, and anyone wishing to enter should telephone the lifeboat shed on 01368 863966.