No amount of rain could dampen the spirits of fundraisers in Lyme Regis, as a special auction raised more than £1,500 for a national maritime charity.

Lyme Bay Boats' annual 'Jolly Day Out' turned into a jolly night in after torrential rain forced organisers to cancel the usual boating, fishing and swimming events.

More than 60 people attended the event despite the appalling weather conditions, with the day instead filled with food, drink, games and a charity auction.

The evening fundraiser was a roaring success, with more than £1,500 raised through a charity auction for the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, a charity supports which fishermen, merchant mariners and their dependants who are suffering financial hardship, whether due to accident, ill health, unemployment or in retirement after a life spent working at sea.

Jamie McNeil, director of Lyme Bay Boats, presented a cheque to Captain Justin Osmond RN, chief executive of the charity, during a reception held at The Harbour Inn on September 23.

Discussing the ‘Jolly Day Out’, Mr McNeil said: “Firstly I’d like to thank everyone who helped in making the day a true success despite the challenging conditions.

“The rain thankfully didn’t dampen our spirits and I think I speak on behalf of all of those in attendance when I say what an enjoyable and indeed jolly day it was.

“I’m extremely proud to be able to present a cheque for such a significant amount of money to a very worthwhile cause, knowing it will benefit the lives of those we share a maritime community with.”

Captain Osmond added: “We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from all of those who provide us with vital funds to support our beneficiaries.

“The Society appreciates the generosity of everyone at Lyme Bay Boats and those who took part in what sounds like an extremely fun day, despite one of the wettest August days on record, and hope we can work together on further projects in the future.”

To find out more about Lyme Bay Boats, go to http://www.lymebayboats.com/ and for more information about the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, visit shipwreckedmariners.org.uk