Whitby RNLI to hold bicentenary service at town's historic St Mary's Church

The church will have seen many lifeboats make their way out of the harbour over the years, thankfully most often returning with crew, and casualties safely aboard.

The ceremony will include a wreath laying as well as volunteers from the RNLI reading out the names of lives lost at sea from Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes and Runswick crews.

Station chairman Mike Major said: "All are welcome to join us to honour those who have lost their lives at sea in service for the RNLI.

"These days, thanks to advances in technology and the state of the art equipment available, our lifeboat crew are much safer than the days of the old rowing lifeboats.

"We will remember the bravery of crew both past and present.”

The service will be led by the Whitby RNLI Chaplain, Rev Michael Gobbett and will begin at 3pm.

There is no parking on the Abbey Plain, and people are advised to use the nearest public car parks.

This is part of a year of events to commemorate, celebrate and inspire in the RNLI’s 200th year.

Whitby RNLI volunteers recently welcomed the Connecting our Communities relay which is in celebration of the charity’s anniversary.

The scroll, which contains the RNLI pledge, is touring the UK and Ireland has passing through the East Coast region.