Pennies make pounds and pounds help save lives.

That’s the message from RNLI volunteers at Margate lifeboat station, who are appealing for local businesses to take on board more of the charity’s collecting boxes.

More than 100 shops and pubs in Thanet already support the charity in this way and have raised a total of £63,000 since 1995.

But the RNLI, which depends entirely on voluntary donations, needs £340,000 a day to maintain its lifeboats and stations around the country.

Fred Piggott, fundraising box secretary for Margate RNLI, said: “What seems like just small change to most, directly translates into actually saving lives at sea.”

If you can help, contact Mr Piggott on 01843 226757 or via Margate lifeboat station on 01843 221613.