THE RNLI foundation is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.

RNLI volunteers from across the country are finding their own special ways to mark the occasion.

The RNLI station, which based in Minehead, has nurtured great talent for many years. Within its ranks are a collective of shanty seas singers named the DZ Buoys and celebrations were held on March 4.

Richard Gay, lifeboat helm, said: "Like all good ideas, this started in the pub. We wanted to challenge Ilfracombe and to get a shanty chain going around the whole coast. We hope that all stations will step up and give us a verse".

Minehead RNLI crew are setting the bar high in shanty challenge
Minehead's "DZ Buoys" in action (RNLI/Sam Donati)

The DZ Buoys have recorded special verses of the ancient shanty A drop of Nelson's blood, which is a song made famous in the film Fisherman’s Friends in 2019. The new verses they have recorded include special references to the station and the up and coming 200th anniversary. They encourage other flank stations to follow in their footsteps.

Richard Newton, chairman, said: "The 200th anniversary is all about celebrating the past whilst looking to the future. Creating a shanty chain across the South West stations and beyond cements and re-affirms the 'One Crew' ethos at the heart of the RNLI.”

DZ Buoys are getting recognised and have made special appearances on BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Devon. A BBC Television appearance on Countryfile will also air soon with the DZ Buoys taking centre stage.