Council praises organisers of ‘very successful’ 999 Day

The event was organised by Sgt Dave Cave, of Humberside Police, to celebrate our emergency services, and it proved such a success that plans are underway for a bigger event next year.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, NELC Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “I'm very impressed with the organisation of this event and everyone that turned out. I think this has been great for the area.

“Our emergency services work incredibly hard to keep us safe in all sorts of very difficult scenarios, and an event like this not only gives the public a chance to see what they do, but also to thank them personally for their selflessness.”

There were displays from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, LIVES doctors medical crews, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, British Transport Police, British Red Cross and Lincolnshire 4x4 Rescue Response, and North East Lincolnshire Council’s Beach Safety Team.

The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, David Chambers, was guest of honour to see the new RNLI lifeboat station open its doors to the public, to meet the volunteer crews and see their new rescue boat.

Sgt Dave Cave, of Humberside Police, said he was delighted with the response from partners in the emergency services and members of the public. He said many of the charities and organisations represented at the 999 Rescue Day ran out of merchandise and were overwhelmed by the engagement by visitors to Cleethorpes.

"A lot of people said what a great event it was. The location, along King’s Parade, is ideal because it is so spread out and everyone has a chance to meet the crews. It was great that the RNLI opened their doors to the new lifeboat station and they drew in a huge amount of cash support.

 "I am really grateful to everybody, our partners and the public who interacted with all the agencies. We were all able to let them know we are here for them, wherever and whenever they need us. Next year we are looking to make the event even bigger.”

Matt McNally, of the RNLI,  said: "We are delighted to show off our fantastic new building. We have had eight call outs since we opened earlier this month. All the volunteers love it.

"It is astonishing how many have come today and it has been wonderful to be able to welcome them. Our charity shop is the best performing RNLI shop in the UK and we came first in the first two weeks of opening."

Cllr Dawkins added: “I'd like to thank the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, David Chambers, for coming over to Cleethorpes, along with Humberside Police Sgt Dave Cave, who made this event happen. It really was a wonderful day.”