There will be a chance to see Minehead’s RNLI crew in action in the latest episode of Saving Lives at Sea, due to be screened next Tuesday (October 8) on BBC 2 at 8pm.

The incident featured is the rescue of two young girls, swept out to sea on a giant inflatable swan from Minehead beach on June 1.

The operation, which ended with them being returned to tearful parents, sparked controversy at the time because red flags warning of the danger of offshore wind were not being flown.

Somerset West and Taunton Council later claimed the wind speed was not high enough to justify the flags being hoisted.

But Minehead RNLI spokesman Chris Rundle said: “Anyone who watches the video of the rescue captured by our crew will be shocked to see just how far out to sea the girls had been carried.

"And the fact that this was against the incoming tide clearly supports our view that those flags should certainly have been in operation."

Meanwhile some of Minehead lifeboat station’s staunchest supporters have handed over another major donation for the RNLI.

Officials from St Andrew’s Men’s Club in Taunton visited the station recently to present a cheque for £1,110.

It brings the total raised by the club over the last four years to more than £6,000.

The club stages special promotions and events throughout the year to support the station – where the annual running costs are around £90,000.

And, said Minehead RNLI chairman Bryan Stoner, the club’s support was always greatly appreciated.

“It’s particularly heartening to have a really close link with such an organisation, and one which clearly appreciates and values the work of the RNLI volunteers, even though it’s based some way from the sea,” he said.

Club chairman Ken Robinson is pictured handing the cheque to Minehead RNLI fundraising team member Tim Marsh, with club member Peter Western.