New crew members are desperately needed to ensure a volunteer lifeboat group does not end its tour of duty for good.

The Uxbridge branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) - which just this week rescued a man from the freezing cold Thames near Putney Bridge - has been fundraising across the south of the borough for more than half a century but many of the volunteers, now in their 80s and 90s, are unable to continue volunteering for the lifesaving charity.

The branch’s friends at the Harrow RNLI group – who fundraise mainly in the north of Hillingdon borough – hope new blood will come forward to ensure the Uxbridge group can continue to help save lives at sea for many years to come.

Harrow branch chairman, Terry Wigington, said: “It would be grand to get some young folk involved, maybe students from Brunel University or sixth form colleges. Equally welcome are retired folk and all those in-between.

“There are many ways of helping us out. If people feel they can offer even a little help to keep the Uxbridge branch afloat, or if they are interested in finding out more, please get in touch.”

What is needed?

COLLECTORS raise funds outside local superstores and in Uxbridge town centre and volunteer for just a couple of hours, four or five times a year.

BRANCH SECRETARY : Helps organise collectors and liaises with stores, among other roles

EDUCATORS : Anyone with good presentation skills could try their hand at becoming an Educator, visiting local schools and youth groups to talk about the RNLI and sea safety. Full training and equipment provided.

SOUVENIR SECRETARY : In charge of ordering souvenirs for sale at coffee mornings, small charity events and a stall in the Pavilions shopping centre in Uxbridge. You would need a car and some space for storage.

TREASURER : Needs access to a computer and the internet would look after the branch’s accounts.

EVENTS ORGANISERS : Help set up quiz nights and fundraising fairs.

If you feel you could join the Uxbridge RNLI, email Mr Wigington at harrowrnli@virginmedia.com with your name, address and telephone number, or call 020 8866 9649.