A PHOTOGRAPHER recently paid a visit to Burnham-on-Sea RNLI to hand over a cheque in memory of his late father.

David Whatley, son of David Whatley Senior, also from Burnham-on-Sea, visited the lifeboat’s station last week to hand over a cheque worth £208 to the crew to help fund rescue operations along the Somerset coast.

Mr Whatley junior said he decided to donate the funds to the lifesaving charity because his dad was a keen supporter.

Mr Whatley said: “My father enjoyed watching the RNLI crew train from his seafront flat and endeavoured to support the RNLI as a well worthy charity.

“His legacy lives on in his two sons who support the RNLI as much as he did.”

Mr Whatley junior’s father died last year, but the photographer says he has the same admiration for the lifeboats as his father and frequently goes to Burnham beach to take photographs of the lifeboat crews in action.

He was joined by RNLI crew members as he handed over the cheque to Phil Counsell, launch authority at Burnham RNLI.

Matt Davies, lifeboat operations manager thanked Mr Whatley not only for the cheque but for the family’s continued support for the branch over the years.

Mr Davies added: “We value this gift, which will go towards running our lifeboat station, and thank you for your family’s support.”

For more information about the RNLI visit burnham-on-searnli.org.uk.