A TV star, spectacular displays and a bathtub race - it's been a jam-packed Lifeboat Week.

And it looks as though Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, which came to an explosive end on Saturday night with a stunning firework display, is going to be another financial success for life-saving charity the RNLI.

Early estimates show donations totalling £28,000 have been received, with the final figure expected within a week or two.

The week started in brilliant sunshine with the appearance of popular actor John Challis, known for his role as Boycie in Only Fools and Horse, officially opening the event.

Secondhand book sales, wine or water raffle, a birds of prey talk with barn owls and a bald eagle, the spectacular Red Devils Army parachute display team, the tug ‘o war across the harbour mouth and the bathtub race all proved big attractions for visitors and residents.

Almost 100 people took part in the swimming challenges for children and adults from Cobb Gate to the north wall of the harbour.

Around 500 hot dogs, cooked by the lifeboat crew, were sold and 650 plastic ducks raced to the finishing line on the River Lym with prizes for the winners and the last competitor.

The singalong version of the Mama Mia! film was a sell-out at the Marine Theatre.

Ken Lavery, chairman of organisers the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, said: “It was a great week with new events and old favourites all very popular.

“I can’t thank enough those who took part and donated to our charity. Their generosity once again was just amazing. I must also thank all our volunteers who gave their time to run the 72 different events.

“The rain on one day did not dampen the spirits of anyone.”

Tug ‘o war across the harbour mouth and the bathtub race rounded off the week on Friday. The lifeboat crew won the tug ‘o war against a team from the sailing club, sea school and football club. The sailing club’s bathtub, Cat-Astrophe won with the Boat Building Academy’s Bare Minimum second and Kersbrook Chaos third.

The lifeboat crew and their bathtub, called Time for Bed, came last and had to be towed into the harbour - by the lifeboat.

Buskers

Two musicians marked 25 years ‘busking’ at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.

Friends Holly Chapman, 70, and 92-year-old Ivor Hyde have been playing together for 35 years, mainly at barn dances. But they have also appeared at Lifeboat Week every year; Holly, from Axminster, with her violin and Ivor, from near Chard, with his accordion.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Picture: RICHARD HOROBIN/RNLI

Together they have raised hundreds of pounds for the RNLI.

“It’s just a great pleasure to play in the open air, and the public are very generous,” said Holly.

EXPLOSIVE: Fireworks bring Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week to an end    Credit: Love Lyme Regis