EAST Dean Parish Council has chosen RNLI Eastbourne as its charity of the year for 2018

So far they have raised £881.72 from the hugely successful Summer Fete and a well-supported raffle with prizes being donated by a variety of local businesses.

Chair of the council, Michael Keller, is hopeful that with four months still to go they can raise even more.

Pictured are councillor Keller with his wife Linda and the youngest member of the council, Councillor Amanda Hookham, who has been selected to join the Carnival fleet “to learn how to drive a cruise liner,” presenting a cheque to Lifeboat Treasurer Keith Stevens and Coxswain Mark Sawyer.