THE dedication and courage of volunteer lifeboatmen will be marked in Lowestoft tomorrow.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is hosting its annual SOS Day as part of its SOS – Save our Souls – campaign to raise vital funds for town's lifeboat and crew.

The lifeboat station on South Pier will open as part of the event from 10.30am until 3pm.

People will have the chance to meet the crew and enjoy a range of refreshments, a local DVD and an exhibition showing the Spirit of Lowestoft in action.

Josie Moore, chairman of the Lowestoft RNLI fundraisers' committee, said: 'Lifeboat crews deserve and get the best protective clothing, equipment and training to help save the lives of others, and that is why SOS Day is so important.'

Meanwhile, the gift shop will also be open with sale items including half-price Christmas cards, diaries and calendars.

Subject to operational requirements it should be possible to look over the lifeboat from noon onwards.

To donate or get involved, contact the regional office on 0207 620 7400 or visit www.rnli.org.uk/sosday

Southwold Lifeboat will not be staging an SOS Day this year but hopes to run one again in 2013.