A CROWD were treated to a thrilling display by Weymouth and Portland's lifesavers.

Lifesaving scenarios were acted out in front of spectators on Monday evening as part of Weymouth Lifeboat Week.

The week is an awareness and fundraising campaign for the local branch of the RNLI.

The first demonstration of the week took place at Newtons Cove with public viewing from the Nothe Gardens.

A cold breeze did not appear to put off the spectators who turned up in large numbers to see show support for what the volunteer lifeboat crews do.

Lifeboat spokesman Ken Francis said: "There were several different scenarios on display, starting with the Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team rescuing a causality from the walls of the Nothe Fort.

"Meanwhile on the water in front of the crowd, the RNLI beach lifeguards showed how they rescue swimmers in difficulties using a rescue surf board and surf rescue RIB, both on daily use on Weymouth Beach and many other beaches around the country.

"Next came the inshore lifeboat carrying out a rescue from a liferaft which had previously sent up a white flare and smoke flare followed by a handheld red flare, thus showing the public what to look out for from vessels in distress. The inshore lifeboat then took the 'casualties' out to the all-weather lifeboat where they could receive first aid before being transferred up into the Portland rescue helicopter. Several passes in front of the crowd demonstrated the skills of the volunteer lifeboat crew and the helicopter pilots and winchman as the 'casualty' was winched up into the helicopter before being taken off to hospital."

There was also a barbecue and bar to enjoy as well as stalls and a raffle and live music from Speedway Snails.

A similar demonstration will take place at Bowleaze Cove at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening.

Then on Thursday at 6pm the Weymouth Sailing Club will open its doors to everyone for a bar and barbecue.

The lifeboats will be open to the public from 10.30am-4pm on Saturday.