WEYMOUTH Lifeboat Week launched last night with the traditional blessing of the lifesaving vessel which has been to the aid of so many mariners.

The service, conducted by the clergy team from Holy Trinity Church with music provided by the Salvation Army Band, kick starts a week of events and fundraising activities.

Tonight at 6.15pm

On Monday July 27 at 6.15pm there will be the lifeboat display at Newton’s Cove. Families will be able to watch from the Nothe Gardens as the lifeboat, coastguard rescue teams and the coastguard helicopter put on a display of their lifesaving skills. There will be live music from the Speedway Snails, the lifeboat shop, and a life raft and static display, and people can also meet and greet crew.

There will also be fete stalls, a bar and hog roast.

House-to-house collections start from this date and tickets for the Grand Raffle will also be on sale throughout the town. The following six days are packed with family orientated community events.

On Wednesday July 29, there will be a second display at Bowleaze Cove at 6.30pm. Then on Thursday July 30 at 6pm the Weymouth Sailing Club will open its doors to everyone for a bar and barbecue with live music from Finn.

Then on Saturday August 1, the Weymouth All Weather and Inshore lifeboats will open to the public at the Lifeboat Station from 10.30 am to 4pm. There will also be a Sea Safety Display and the Grand Raffle Draw will take place at 4.00pm.