It was Jan Fialkowski's 70th birthday but Maryport Rescue received the gifts.

Mr Fialkowski held a birthday bash in Maryport's Golden Lion Hotel. Around 120 people joined him for a buffet supper and live music from Miss Dee and the Mustangz.

Instead of gifts, however, Mr Fialowski asked for donations for Maryport Rescue. a completely voluntary inshore and flood rescue organisation.

"My dear friend Diane Stevenson comes from a family on inshore rescuers going back to the days when volunteers had to row out to assist others. Last year she raised £333. It seemed fitting that I also tried to raise money for such a worthy charity," he said.

He added that he was delighted to be able to give the rescue crew a cheque for £447.