THROUGH troubled waters Cromer's Henry Blogg museum shop has not only managed to raise 60pc more than last year, but also clinch a national award.Delighted volunteers were surprised to get a letter informing them they had won the retail RNLI's Supporter Award after being nominated without their knowledge.

THROUGH troubled waters Cromer's Henry Blogg museum shop has not only managed to raise 60pc more than last year, but also clinch a national award.

Delighted volunteers were surprised to get a letter informing them they had won the retail RNLI's Supporter Award after being nominated without their knowledge.

Despite being flooded in November, the shop got back to business within a week as groups from the 50-strong volunteer force donned

their wellies to clear up the

mess.

The shop, which moved from the old boat house to the bigger museum on the beach front in 2006, attracted a record 44,000 visitors last year.

Molly Girling, who has volunteered at the museum for nine years, said: “Since moving the volunteers have had to deal with a lot more people coming into the shop which has meant a lot of extra work.”

But that hard work has paid off and the shop raised £32,000 more than in 2006 to support the RNLI.

Victor Brett and Mrs Girling will be accepting the award on behalf of the volunteers at the RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony at the Barbican Centre in London on May 22.

They will be supported by a group of other volunteers who are going with them to London.

Victor Brett said: “I'm delighted to win this award - it just proves that our hard work and dedication has paid off. It's great to have our efforts recognised at a national level.”

Mrs Girling said: “We are thrilled about it.”

The museum and the shop will reopen on February 1, from 10am to 4pm.