The spring 2004 Lifeboat Lottery was the highest earning RNLI lottery ever, raising over £381,000 - the equivalent of two inshore lifeboats, a hovercraft and the training of their crews. Congratulations go to first prize winners Mr and Mrs Fisher of Chester who scooped their dream holiday in the record-breaking drawThe couple won tickets for a luxurious trip to Venice on the Orient Express. The Coxswain of Hoylake lifeboat congratulated the couple and gave them a guided tour of the station's lifeboat.

'We're delighted,' said Mr Fisher, 'I've been a member for over 10 years and have been buying lottery tickets for almost as long. I've just celebrated turning 70 and this is the best present could possibly have hoped for. It's especially nice as our wedding anniversary is coming and we'll be able to celebrate in style.' RNLI Fundraising and Communications Director David Brann said: Yd like to add my personal congratulations to Mr and Mrs Fisher on their win. We have recently improved the lottery to make it easier for our members to take part and it seems to have generated a lot more interest.' Congratulations also to cash prize winners: MrW Kirkness, Orkney - second prize £1,000; Mr RSJ Hele, Devon - third prize £500; and Mr S Pery-Knox-Gore - fourth prize £250. Mr N Rouse, West Yorkshire; Mrs CM McGinn, Kent; Mrs C Berry, Merseyside; Mr RJ Lenz, Cornwall; and Mr C Fletcher, Lancashire all won £100 each.

Special thanks to Thomson Cities and Short Breaks who worked with the RNLI to offer this fantastic prize and to all of you who gave support and bought tickets.

Win a Ford Ka The star prize for the Autumn lottery is a Ford Ka 1.3i 3dr and tickets will be available from 19 July.

Group Supporters of the Autumn Lottery If you do not currently receive tickets and would like to, please contact Pauline on 01202 663219 or [email protected] RNLI scratchcard - a new way to win Over the years the Lifeboat Lottery has raised the equivalent of 10 Trent class lifeboats, but the RNLI is always looking at new ways to reach more people. So the RNLI is launching a scratchcard. The scratchcards will raise even more funds and offer instant cash prizes, plus the chance to enter a free prize draw in January 2005 to win a holiday for two to the Maldives.

The cards are available now and will be sold at RNLI events and shops around the country.

Can you help? The RNLI is also looking to sell the scratchcards in shops and pubs. Do you know of any such venues that may wish to take them or perhaps you are holding an event at which you would like to sell them? If you feel you can help, please contact the RNLI helpdesk on 0845 121499 who will put you in touch with your regional office..