HARD-WORKING volunteers raising money for Dunbar RNLI have celebrated reaching £1 million in sales.

Ken and Marie Headley, who manage the charity’s two Dunbar stores – on High Street and by the lifeboat station at the harbour – and their team of volunteers reached the incredible milestone at the end of last year.

The couple took over the harbour store in 2007 and their efforts have made Dunbar number one for sales in Scotland and in the top 20 in the UK.

Now they have been presented with a certificate of thanks and an award from the RNLI in appreciation of their hard work and valued contributions, which help the charity save lives at sea.

Ken was delighted with the success, which has helped attract even more volunteers.

He said: “For us, it is quite an achievement, given the size of the town.

“We have taken £1 million in sales since 2007, when Marie and I first took over the harbour shop.

“Back then, we took £6,800 in our first year.

“We opened the High Street shop in 2012 and it’s grown steadily since then.

“We now have a team of 36 volunteers.”

Mark Lees, Dunbar Lifeboat chairman, praised everyone for their efforts.

He said: “The whole team of shop volunteers at Dunbar continue to do a fantastic job under Ken and Marie’s leadership.

“None of it would be possible, however, without the fantastic support of the community of Dunbar, who continue to support our shops and the station absolutely unwaveringly.

“We owe both the shop volunteers and the community a huge debt of thanks for all they do to support saving lives at sea and people in trouble along the coastline.

“Thank you on behalf of all at Dunbar Lifeboat Station.”

Peter Emmett, RNLI head of engagement, was on hand to present the certificate and congratulate everyone involved.

He said: “This is a special moment.

“It is wonderful what everyone in Dunbar has done. You are up there with the best of the best.”

Alison Byers, RNLI regional engagement lead for Scotland, said that the success of the Dunbar store demonstrated the charity’s ethos of “one crew”, which means all the volunteers are helping to save lives at sea.

She added: “It is thanks to Ken, Marie, their volunteers and the Dunbar community for all their support.”