Published: March 3, 2010
Prince Edward becomes patron of Burnham charity's campaign

Prince Edward has this week been unveiled as the patron of Burnham rescue charity BARB's fundraising campaign to raise £60,000 for a new hovercraft.

The Earl Of Wessex has given his backing to the campaign following a visit to Burnham-On-Sea last April when he met the volunteers at BARB and also saw the hovercrafts in operation to mark the fifth anniversary of The Spirit Of Lelaina going into service.

Mark Newman, Chairman of BARB, said: "We are very honoured that the Prince has decided to become the patron of the campaign. He spent some time talking to each of our volunteers during his visit last year and was very supportive of the commitment shown."

The campaign is being led by the Western Daily Press newspaper and has already reached its half-way point, having raised over £30,000 towards the replacement of the The Light Of Elizabeth hovercraft since last October.

RELATED LINKS:

Prince Edward visits Burnham-On-Sea
Burnham-On-Sea Hovercraft Web site