A champion fundraiser has been praised by a lifeboat crew for handing over £30,000 to the rescue team.

Sue Weaver is a stalwart supporter of the Hemsby Independent Lifeboat.

Operating from seven sheds in her back garden on Newport Road, Ms Weaver, 61, takes unwanted household items from neighbours and holidaymakers and spruces them up before passing them on at discounted prices to people in need.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sue Weaver by two of her sheds brimming with discounted items. Picture - James WeedsSue Weaver by two of her sheds brimming with discounted items. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Once Ms Weaver accrues £1,000, she passes it onto the lifeboat.

Over the course of this year she has raised £30,000 for Hemsby Lifeboat. leading to her being praised by its volunteer crew.

A statement from the lifeboat station said: "What a fantastic performance from Sue Weaver, who raised £30,000 for the Hemsby lifeboat this year.

"We are so very grateful to Sue for all her hard work and all those people who support Sue's effort by donating their goods to her and, of course, those who also purchase those items, resulting in such a significant donation to the lifeboat.

"On behalf of all the crew and trustees, we want to give this heartfelt thank you.

"Sue, you've done us proud once again, and we cannot thank you enough."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: FLASHBACK: Hemsby Independent Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd naming the new vessel Sea Weaver in honour of Sue Weaver's fundraising efforts in 2021. Picture - NewsquestFLASHBACK: Hemsby Independent Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd naming the new vessel Sea Weaver in honour of Sue Weaver's fundraising efforts in 2021. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Archant)Up to this year Mrs Weaver has raised more than £100,000 for Hemsby Independent Lifeboat over a six year-period.

But Ms Weaver said it is more than just about the money. The endeavour provides a much-needed lifeline to people.

"It's about providing a service for people in need," said Ms Weaver. 

"We've had customers who have fallen on hard times and have struggled to afford the household essentials. It's a vital service for many people.

"And so many people contribute and offer to help others, it's become a community hub."

Ms Weaver's fundraising efforts had previously been acknowledged by Hemsby Independent Lifeboat, which in 2021 named their Atlantic 75 vessel the Sea Weaver in her honour.