Teddington RNLI volunteers have thanked a local open water swimming group after members raised more than £14,000 for the lifeboat station over the past four years.

Five swimmers, Marlene Lawrence, Claire Wilmot, Alexandra Ruffer, Chris Fraser and Cressida Barrett, recently visited the station to present a cheque for £3,737, raised through a silent auction held in December.

The auction, organised by Marlene, featured a range of high-value prizes including a holiday on the Mull of Kintyre, a stay in a Geneva ski apartment and a visit to McLaren headquarters.

One standout prize was a handmade quilt created by New Malden resident Frances. The intricate design, called Mariners' Compass, was won by Chris Fraser.

Frances commented: "This quilt is a pattern called Mariners' Compass and is very intricate. I thought it was very appropriate for the RNLI."

The group said supporting the lifeboat station was particularly important given their regular use of the River Thames.

Marlene Lawrence added: "The work of Teddington RNLI is vital to people like us who use the Thames. We are delighted to be part of helping this charity to support our community."

Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington RNLI, thanked the swimmers for their continued support.

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"We are grateful to this group of swimmers for this generous donation," he said.

"It is important for us to meet others who share an interest in the Thames and river safety. Donations like these allow us to continue to work to save lives on the river."