RNLI's biggest fundraiser is coming back for another year.

Weymouth branch of the RNLI are preparing for the return of Weymouth Lifeboat Week which kicks off on and this year is set to be a little different with a new couple in charge.

This year will see a varied programme of events with something different will be going on every day of the week organised by Teresa Drage and the RNLI branch team.

RNLI Weymouth's inshore lifeboat will be on display during the week while long time events such as lifeboat displays and public viewing of the boats will remain, with the return of new features such as crabbing competition Thursday, July 26 while a Sandcastle competition will take place on Friday 27.

A folk music event has also gained a spot during the week on Thursday, July 26 at the Pilgrim House featuring Doc Clarks Remedy and Gregory Schofield starting at 7pm while a traditional Hog Roast will take place at the Nothe Gardens provided by Dennis from the Famous Sausage Factory on Monday 23.

A paddleboard competition on Tuesday, July 24, will see racers battle it out to reach all stages of the knock-out competition on paddleboards provided by Weymouth Watersports.

A minimum donation of £50 per crew is requested, and a minimum of five crew members is needed with teams needing to register in advance by calling 07743 346 468.

Finally, the traditional blessing of the lifeboats will start the week off at the lifeboat station on Sunday (22) at 7:30pm while the week finishes with a lifeboat station open day on Saturday, July 28, from 10.30am until 4pm.

Crews are also organising a Grand Draw with a variety of prizes on offer including a short break at Haven Littlesea and Weyline Taxi vouchers.

Teresa Drage, organiser for lifeboat week, said: "We have put together a week of events which we hope will be suitable for the whole family.

"Showing the public the great work that our volunteer lifeboat crews do and raising money for the RNLI the charity that is dedicated to saving lives at sea."

At the same time, Weymouth lifeboat station are now looking for volunteers to help with lifeboat week and other events throughout the year.

Volunteer crew members would be expected to give as much time cover as possible, ideally living or working within ten minutes of the lifeboat station.

Volunteer fund raisers could give as much or as little time as they want from a few hours a week to a few hours a year, helping at various events.

The RNLI relies on donations from the public and volunteers who give their time to ensure there is a 24-hour emergency service helping those in peril on the coast and at sea.

All funds raised from the week will go towards the day to day operations of Weymouth RNLI while anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to call into the lifeboat station, telephone the lifeboat station on 01305 785817, or e-mail weymouth@rnli.org.uk