VOLUNTEERS for the York Rescue Boat charity raised more than £400 at an event this weekend.

The group is marking its first year as a registered charity, and held a fun day in Tower Gardens, next to the River Ouse, on Saturday.

Hundreds of members of the public took the time to talk with the volunteers to find out more about the charity, and look at the actual rescue boat, which was seen in public for the first time.

Although it was not on the water, the boat and the Land Rover used to tow it were present, along with a tombola, cake stall and other events, to highlight the work of the charity - which aims to patrol the Ouse on busy nights to prevent further deaths in the river.

Dave Benson, who founded the charity, said: "It was a great effort from our volunteers braving the bitter riverside wind. A huge thanks to all the members of the public that donated and took part in the tombola and face painting.

"We received a lot of public support and words of encouragement, with some new volunteers coming forward."

The York Rescue Boat hopes to launch officially this Spring, but will next appear to raise further awareness at the Springtime show live at Harrogate showground on March 22.