The Western Morning News has received a special award from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in recognition of its "outstanding" coverage of the organisation's activities.

The award was presented to WMN editor Barrie Williams by RNLI chief executive Andrew Fremantle, who praised the paper for helping to raise awareness and vital funds through its coverage.

He said: "Throughout 2003, with constant and accurate reporting of lifesaving activities, not only has the paper helped to raise awareness, but through its active support of the region's 200 appeal, it has given an enormous boost to our fundraising at a time when both awareness and fundraising are equally important to the RNLI.

"Both the quality and quantity of the coverage have been outstanding."

Editor Barrie said: "The RNLI is part of the fabric of the community in the Westcountry and we regard maximum coverage of its activities as a duty."

A fundraising appeal in the paper has helped raise £42,000 for the RNLI.

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