A SPECIALLY made Lifeboat-shaped charity box has been stolen from outside the Porlock Weir Boat Shed Museum.

Lyn Purvis, wife of Derek Purvis who runs the museum, said it was 'such a shame' that the box had been taken.

The box was stolen on Friday night (June 21).

Mrs Purvis said: "It is such a shame.

"The box as specially made and we have it had it out there for many years now so many people recognise it.

"It was soldered on so someone must have ripped it off and taken it."

Derek regularly emptied the collection box so it is not thought there was much money in the box itself, but Mrs Purvis said the box itself had great sentimental value.

"We keep thinking maybe the thief found there wasn't much money and threw the box into a hedge or something but it hasn't turned up yet," Mrs Purvis said.

"It is just such a shame that someone would take it.

"It makes you angry.

"It is just lucky it gets emptied regularly - you cannot be too careful these days."

The Porlock Weir Boat Shed Museum donates the collected money to the local RNLI but also to other good causes such as local stroke clubs.

"With the summer season upon us, we do collect a good amount for charity so Derek has been talking with the lifeboat officials about getting or making a new box," Mrs Purvis said.

The Porlock Weir Boat Shed Museum has been run by local fisherman, photographer and historian Derek Purvis for many years providing an eclectic collection of information and artefacts to enhance the experience for those visiting Porlock Weir.

The museum contains masses of memorabilia and articles that document the wartime shipwrecks along the Bristol Channel.

Admission to the museum is free but donations are welcomed.

It is open between 10am and 5pm.

For more information about the Porlock Weir Boat Shed Museum, visit doverymanormuseum.org.uk/boat-shed-museum or call 01643 862674.