Instead of getting presents for her last ten birthdays big-hearted Bessie Crowther has been helping the men who save lives at sea.

On her special day since 1988, the well-loved pensioner has treated 20 close friends to a slap-up meal.

But instead of receiving birthday presents from her pals Bessie asked them to make a donation to the West Mersea lifeboat.

Bessie, of Coast Road, who has lived on the island for 23 years, repeated the time-honoured tradition at her 86th birthday party at Hasten's Halt restaurant in East Road.

After the meal her friends filled a bag up with £150 in donations. The cash was handed over to West Mersea lifeboat treasurer Sue Griffin.

Bessie's friend Iris Cowley, of Goings Lane, said: "It's a wonderful gesture. She likes to do this for the lifeboat. She has no special connections with it other than she lives on the island and her flat overlooks the water."

Bessie explained: "My guests all know of my interest in sailing and are aware of my support for the RNLI.

Bessie first became interested in sailing at the end of the Second World War and has enjoyed the pastime ever since. She has now been invited to go and see the boats at the West Mersea station for herself.

She added the lifeboat crews need and deserve special clothes and equipment which often cost a lot of money, and she hoped the donation will help to fund this.

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