THE Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) has received a boost to its coffers from the chairman of Notts County Council.

Councillor David Taylor, who is close to the end of his run as chairman, selected the RNLI as his charity at the begin of the year.

The charity will receive about £3,000 when all receipts have eventually rolled in.

Mr Taylor said he chose the RNLI because he admired the crews' bravery.

He said: "I have always been in awe of the fact that they put their lives on the line to save others.

"Most of the contributions have come from people here at the council putting money in the collection boxes or taking part in some of our fund-raising events."

Mark Spruce, Notts area fund manager for the RNLI, said: "The money could pay for an inshore lifeboat crew of three to be fully kitted out with the very best life-saving equipment."