NAUTICAL items cluttering up the garages and sheds of East Anglia are being urgently sought by a charity happy to help turn them into ready cash.That's the message from the RNLI Brightlingsea and District Branch as members prepare for their annual boat auction later this month.

NAUTICAL items cluttering up the garages and sheds of East Anglia are being urgently sought by a charity happy to help turn them into ready cash.

That's the message from the RNLI Brightlingsea and District Branch as members prepare for their annual boat auction later this month.

Old oars, rowlocks, outboard motors, anchors, ropes, compasses, rudders, wheels, trolleys - even dinghies and canoes - are among the kind of lots being sought by the group to go under the hammer on April 24.

The branch is prepared to sell off virtually anything connected with boats or boating to the highest bidder, charging only a modest commission for the RNLI.

The sale is due to take place on the town hard at Brightlingsea waterside and will be conducted by John Pitt.

The annual auction is regarded as a highpoint of the RNLI's year in the town and is also a spectacle in itself, with buyers and sellers from all over the region turning up to see what's on offer.

It is also a haven for bargains, with many good deals available for sailors and fishermen to snap up.

Branch spokesman Roy Birnie said: "Brightlingsea has no lifeboat in the harbour and relies on cover from West Mersea and Clacton stations.

"The many thousands of pounds raised at the auction over the years is passed on to the RNLI headquarters at Poole in Dorset to help keep the nation's lifeboats in service."

Mr Birnie added that anyone interested in requesting an auction entry form for chandlery and boats could contact him.

"If people wish to donate entries to the RNLI auction we would be very grateful and collection can be arranged in necessary."

He added that everyone was welcome to attend the auction. "Food and drink is available close by and the town shops are only minutes away from the waterside. Come and join us - it's a different day out," he said.

Mr Birnie can be contacted on 01206 303822.