THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is looking for new shop volunteers to join its lifesaving team across North Wales.

The lifesaving charity is looking in particular to boost support in Denbighshire, Anglesey and Gwynedd.

Sites at Moelfre, Beaumaris, Llandudno and Rhyl are keen to boost their volunteer numbers.

Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s retail team need a dedicated volunteer crew - people of all ages and abilities - who can give a little time to help save lives at sea.

Deb Blackburne, who volunteers at the RNLI shop in Rhyl, says: “Living by the coast for most of my life, I respect how important the sea is.

“By volunteering in the RNLI shop, I’ve got to work (with) and meet some incredible people from all walks of life.

“I’ve seen how important the sea is to people and not only to those who live by it.

“The RNLI is an important part of the community in Rhyl. It has a long history with it and when you see the lifeboat come back from shout, you see how much it means to people.

“I am glad that I can help be part of that.”

RNLI shops started out as simple cake stalls run by volunteers to raise money for their nearest lifeboat station.

Catherine Jones, RNLI community manager for North Wales, added: “These stalls started selling commemorative RNLI products in around 1920 and quickly moved on to selling souvenirs and Christmas cards with all profits helping save lives at sea.

“The first shop to be run as part of an actual lifeboat station opened in 1990.

“Today, we have over 170 RNLI shops around the coast and inland, all of which are still run by our dedicated volunteers.

“They attract many visitors throughout the year and stock an excellent range of unique souvenirs and gifts.

“The pandemic unfortunately hit our shops hard as they closed for periods of time in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

“We were delighted when we could reopen them safely in accordance with government guidance and are looking forward to welcoming our visitors in 2022.

“To do this successfully, we want to grow our team of shop volunteers and are looking for people who enjoy interacting with others, can help us to provide a high level of customer service and ensure our shops continue to be friendly and welcoming places.”

To find out more about how you can help generate vital funds, promote the work of the RNLI, and apply, go to:

• Moelfre: volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/gwirfoddolwr-siop-shop-volunteer-moelfre-474469.html

• Beaumaris: volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/gwirfoddolwr-siop-shop-volunteer-beaumaris-474475.html

• Llandudno: volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/gwirfoddolwr-siop-shop-volunteer-llandudno-474476.html

• Rhyl: volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/gwirfoddolwr-siop-shop-volunteer-rhyl-474480.html