THERE's been an action-packed start to Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week - and there's plenty more to come.

Special guest actor John Challis, who played Boycie in the BBC hit TV series Only Fools and Horses, officially opened the popular event and vital fundraiser on Saturday.

This was followed by a welcome display by the Lyme Regis inshore lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, the all-weather lifeboat from Exmouth and the coastguard helicopter from St Athan, South Wales, giving spectators a glimpse into the work of the life-savers.

Huge crowds packed Lyme Regis in the sunshine for the first day, which saw belly-dancing, an art exhibition, a display by members of the Weymouth and Portland Model Boat Club, a fire exercise and defibrillator demo.

Tuesday's stormy weather meant the tug of war was called off - but there is still plenty more to come, including the Army parachute display by The Red Devils.

The annual event raises, on average, between £30,000 and £35,000 and is organised by local RNLI fundraisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, with help from the lifeboat crew.

For more information, search for Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week on Facebook.

To find out more about event timings, pick up a programme from the lifeboat shop on the Cobb or from outlets around the town.