A woman whose friend died in a kayaking accident has spoken of how it inspired her to join the RNLI, as part of an event marking the 100th anniversary of Cromer's end-of-pier lifeboat station.

Demi Trenholm, from North Walsham, became a volunteer after losing her friend off the coast of Scotland.

“I first became interested in volunteering at the RNLI because my uncle would take me sailing when I was young,” she said.

“I joined a club and safety was really built in alongside the sailing – the two went together hand in hand.

“Under a year ago I unfortunately lost my friend in a kayaking accident. The RNLI sent two boats but unfortunately she died doing what she loved.”

READ MORE: Cromer lifeboat station celebrates 100th anniversary

North Norfolk News: Cromer RNLI volunteers Jacko Jackson, Demi Trenholm and Christine WallisCromer RNLI volunteers Jacko Jackson, Demi Trenholm and Christine Wallis (Image: Adam Barker)

The first lifeboat shed at the end of Cromer Pier was built in 1923. 

Miss Trenholm among the volunteers who devote their time to helping save lives at sea and educating people about the dangers it presents, and the work of the RNLI.

Jacko Jackson, from Cromer, is also part of the team at the town's lifeboat.

“It’s the most fantastic organisation in the world,” he said.

“I became a volunteer because I’ve always appreciated what the RNLI do and supported them over many years.

“I can’t think of many other organisations that hang their lives on the line in the way our lifeboat crews do.”

READ MORE: Lifeboat crews rescue passengers in 37ft cruiser off Norfolk coast

North Norfolk News: The RNLI lifeboat at the end of Cromer's famous pierThe RNLI lifeboat at the end of Cromer's famous pier (Image: Adam Barker)

The RNLI is currently hosting a week-long exhibition at the pier-end lifeboat house, in partnership with the seafront Henry Blogg Museum as part of the centenary celebrations.

The event features exhibits and photographs from 1923 to 2023, as well as fascinating insights about the RNLI from the volunteers.

North Norfolk News: Pictures on display as part of the 100th anniversary exhibitionPictures on display as part of the 100th anniversary exhibition (Image: Adam Barker)

The station's all-weather lifeboat is to be launched on Wednesday evening (July 26), and again on Sunday morning (July 30), which can be watched from the end of the pier.

The exhibition is running until August 1, from 10am-4pm.