SHOPPERS have given a big boost to a volunteer seaside rescue service by raising a staggering �6,100.

SHOPPERS have given a big boost to a volunteer seaside rescue service by raising a staggering �6,100.

The service is thrilled with the result - and says the cash will enable it to give safety cover for the rest of the summer and to start the season next year.

The scheme, which enabled shoppers to collect 120,000 special vouchers which will now be converted into cash, was set up by the East of England Co-operative Society to help the Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol and Rescue Service. Each voucher is worth 5p.

Group general manager for trading for the Co-op, Roger Grosvenor said: “We are delighted with the help we have been able to give the rescue service and we thank our customers for their support.

“The service though needs constant support to keep it going and we would encourage the community to get behind it.

“It's work is so important - it can be a matter of life and death in some situations and it is vital it keeps going.”

Service chairman John Cresswell said: “This money will enable us to maintain the service for the rest of this season without worrying about our bills or running out of money, which has been a problem every year, and start next year.

“The voucher scheme has been great and also created a lot of public awareness of what we do and we cannot thank the Co-op enough for all its help.”

The service was started 11 years ago and costs �15,000 to �20,000 a year to run, including fuel, training and boat maintenance.

This year it has dealt with 53 incidents - compared with 55 last year - with two months of the season to go.

What do you think of the rescue service's work? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk