A historic Penlee lifeboat is at risk of being broken up, amidst calls to save her.

The 99-year old 'The Brothers' lifeboat (ON 671) desperately needs hull repairs and has just three months before she is destroyed.

Currently laid up in a boatyard in Rochester, Kent, the Penlee lifeboat had a short but significant service, saving 62 lives.

Today 'The Brothers' is herself in need of saving, and Paul Wilkin is urging people to get together to do just that.

He said: "I am trying to save her with the object being to return her to Penlee.

"She will soon be a hundred years old and is an historic ship.

"A team effort is required to save this boat but money to restore her will always be a major factor.

"I'm hoping to get some local interest around Penlee and build a team to save her.

"If a team of interested people could be found, she can be returned and displayed in Penlee."

Read more: Three rescues on a busy evening for Falmouth lifeboat

'The Brothers' was the first motor lifeboat to arrive at Penlee and was based there from 1922 until 1930.

Her first service was January 3-4, 1923. She went to help the 'SS Dubravka', of Dubrovnik, which had anchored in a strong westerly gale after losing her propeller.

The anchors dragged the vessel to within 20 yards of the Runnelstone rocks, with waves breaking over her.

'The Brothers' managed to save the lives of 27 members of the 31 crew on board.

On October 8 that same year she assisted the 'SS City of Westminster' of Liverpool, which had also struck the treacherous rocks at the Runnelstone. The lifeboat succeeded in rescuing 35 crew members.

If you are interested in helping to save 'The Brothers', contact Paul Wilkin on 07860 452640 or email him at paul@wilcoplumbing.co.uk.