RNLI stations in Kent and other parts of the country will benefit financially from sales of a new radio-controlled model lifeboat.

Toy manufacturers Impact International Ltd has announced the launch of a highly detailed and only radio control lifeboat ever commissioned and approved by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The Severn class model was designed and developed in the UK and declared seaworthy by the same RNLI team as created the plans for the full size Severn class lifeboat.

A donation of £1.70 will be made by Impact International to the RNLI for each model sold by high street outlets.

The "Volunteer Spirit’ has been exclusively licensed by Impact International Ltd as part of an ongoing RNLI model series.

It measures almost half a metre from bow to stern and accurately replicates one of the most widely used search and rescue lifeboats in the charity’s fleet.

David Brann, the RNLI's fundraising and communications director, said: "It's great all sales will benefit the RNLI, and although £1.70 doesn’t sound a lot, our own RNLI sales team has seen the sale of the model lifeboats go through the roof in just at few weeks, so we know it’s very popular. And all those £1.70s soon add up."

The lifeboat is also available direct from the RNLI at rnlishop.org.uk.

RNLI FACTFILE

*The RNLI operates 233 lifeboat stations around the coasts of the UK and Republic of Ireland, with 4,800 crew, of which over 4,500 are volunteers.

* Its fleet consists of all weather and inshore lifeboats and, at selected stations, hovercraft. The RNLI operates four lifeboat stations along the tidal reaches of the Thames (Tower Pier, Chiswick, Gravesend and Teddington).

* The RNLI’s annual running costs are over £119 million – £325,000 per day – and, as a registered charity, the organisation continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income.

* It provides a round-the-clock search and rescue service every day of the year (to 100 miles out from the coast of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland).