FOWEY lifeboat station volunteers are putting on an exhibition celebrating 165 years of the station’s lifesaving history.

The exhibition is being held in Fowey Town Hall from Thursday, August 1, until Sunday, August 4, from 11am.

The exhibition, which will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the RNLI charity, will feature photographs of the station’s fascinating past, many of which have not been seen by the public before.

From its beginnings at Polkerris in 1859, with wooden rowing lifeboats and cork lifejackets, right through to the modern day era. People will be able to find out about the dramatic rescues of bygone years and how different life was for the lifeboat crew of the past.

The exhibition will feature interviews and videos with current and past crew members and dramatic rescue footage and photographs.

There will be a lifesize Arancia lifeboat to take pictures with, plus a four foot working replica model of Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat.

People will also be able to see the full crew kit and find out what it is like to be an RNLI lifeboat volunteer.

There will be RNLI merchandise on sale and links to download the new RNLI Storm Force game. A specially commissioned picture of one of the very first Fowey lifeboats will be on display, with limited edition prints available. The winner of the local children’s lifeboat art competition will also be on display.

Cathy Baillie from Fowey Lifeboat Station, said: “As we were making plans to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI in Fowey, it seemed appropriate to also celebrate the history of our own station.

“This is the first time the station has put on a display like this and we have gathered a huge amount of fascinating material, with photos of the people who have been at the heart of Fowey RNLI going back through the generations, plus images and anecdotes from those who have volunteered and supported the charity over its 165 year history.

“We hope as many people as possible can come along to find out more about our amazing Fowey RNL lifeboat story.”