Fundraisers have launched a £10,000 countdown towards the £65,000 needed to fund a new lifeboat carrying Bradford's name.

The Bradford Centenary Lifeboat Appeal, started last May during the city's centenary year, has raised £55,000 towards an Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat.

And, as the only other boat bearing the city's name goes out of service, the RNLI is embarking on a last push to reach the target.

A further £15,000 has rolled in since March but RNLI area organiser and new Bradford branch chairman Martin Chappellow are urging people to carry on fundraising.

Mrs Mounty said: "We are now entering the last stretch of the appeal. We're on the countdown to success and are appealing to new supporters to help us reach the target. The message is that any event, no matter how small, is vital. It all mounts up."

She added: "An important piece of news is that the City of Bradford IV lifeboat, stationed at Tobermory, has just retired from service and is being put up for sale. That means that, despite 140 years of association between Bradford and the RNLI, there is no lifeboat in service bearing the city's name. It would be nice to see another boat named after Bradford in action as soon as possible."

Mr Chappellow, who towed an inflatable lifeboat in the Lord Mayor's parade as part of the fundraising efforts, was captivated by the RNLI as a child and now has his own boat at Teesmouth.

He said: "It makes me proud to think Bradford people are supporting the RNLI. It is increasingly important with more water-borne activities."

The appeal has been boosted recently with a series of events including a collection at Morrisons in Thornton Road, which raised £484.63, and a fun day at Horton Park Bowling Club which generated £47.

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