The Steamboat pulled out all the stops for an excellent local cause.

Customers and staff at one of South Tyneside’s best pubs raised money for a great local cause while have a great time over the ban holiday weekend.

The Steamboat in Mill Dam, South Shields, put on live music from local artists Terry Gorman and James Stephen Holmes, as well as staging a raffle with prizes generously donated by nearby businesses including Mambo restaurant, Diamond Hair and the Customs House.

Money was donated by generous customers, as well as by South Shields Masonic Hall. In all their efforts raised £1,329, all of which will go towards the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.

The pub is delighted with how the day went and plans to make the fundraiser an annual event.

Alan Cowell of South Shields Masonic Hall hands over a cheque to event organiser Helen Rodgers at The Steamboat. | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Alan Cowell of South Shields Masonic Hall hands over a cheque to event organiser Helen Rodgers at The Steamboat. | Other 3rd Party

‘It was a fantastic atmosphere’

Based at South Shields pier, the brigade was called out a total of 37 times in July, the busiest July the team has ever had. This followed the team’s busiest ever June the previous month. It provides a crucial service.

Since it was founded in 1866, South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade has been saving lives at the coast and riverside of South Tyneside and is “Always Ready”.

It works with the Coastguard and other emergency services, providing highly-trained volunteers to carry out rope rescue, water rescue and search and other related duties 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The fundraiser was made possible by the Steamboat’s licensee, Kathleen Brain and her friend Helen Rodgers who has a close connection to the brigade.

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South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade are “always ready”. | Other 3rd Party

Kathleen said: “It was a lovely day. We started at three o’clock and had music on until about half-past-eight, with the raffle in between.

“A really good crowd turned up and some very, very generous people put their hands in their pockets. There were some amazing prizes from some great local businesses and we were very grateful.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere. We’re definitely going to do this every year. We’ve decided on that.”

The Steamboat is renowned for its fundraising events. There are no more planned just yet, but that will change and details will be announced later in the year.

To donate to the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, visit www.ssvlb.org.uk.