AN eight-year-old schoolboy has become Clacton lifeboat station’s youngest ever fundraiser after collecting money in a homemade charity box.

Sebastian Roney collected £67 from classmates, friends and relatives.
After contacting the RNLI he was sent an official lifeboat-shaped collection box – making him the station’s youngest fundraiser.

Station spokesman Alan Osborn said: “The crew were so impressed by what Sebastian had done that they arranged a full station tour for him and his family.

“Sebastian’s interest in the RNLI lifeboats started when he was five and visited the Clacton lifeboat shop to buy postcards.

“From the shop he was able to see through the window into the lifeboat house and his interest in all things RNLI developed.”

Sebastian’s mum contacted the RNLI to say his collection box to overflowing and he wanted to present the cash to the station.

The youngster climbed aboard the station’s D class and Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats and got kitted out in a dry suit, helmet and lifejacket before watching both vessels launch.

Sebastian said: “I learned a load of interesting facts about each lifeboat and the work of their crews.

“It was really cool to see the lifeboats launch and see them speeding to the end of the pier.”