A GUNNISLAKE man currently is driving the length of the UK coastline in support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute

Stevie Mann, 52, will make the 4,279 mile round trip in his Mini, dropping in at every lifeboat station on the British coast.

Stevie will travel for 41 days in order to raise money for a new inshore lifeboat, which costs £30,000, to be named 'Mini 1'.

The trip, which started on September 1 at Land's End, was prompted by the television programme 'The Long Way Round', in which actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman travelled 6,000 miles across the world on motorbikes.

Already a Mini enthusiast, Mr Mann dreamed of recreating a similar trip, but realised that a round-the-world adventure was not an option. Instead he decided to drive around the coast of Britain, encouraging any Mini drivers to join him along the way.

Stevie decided on the RNLI due to their helpful response. His plan to travel around the coast could be conveniently combined with visits to the RNLI stations.

Speaking from the south coast of Wales on day four of his trip, he said: 'I've got eight Minis with me at the moment from the M4 Mini Club and the Cardiff Mini Club. Everyone has been very friendly and supportive — but all Mini drivers are friendly!

'This is the first trip I've done of this kind, but hopefully it will be a yearly event from now on.'

Running costs have been met by a number of sponsors, including Tavistock Tyres & Exhausts, Colin Hill Motors in Callington, RDL Auto Supplies in Gunnislake, and the Burrator Inn in Dousland, Plymouth.

Stevie hopes to raise money through the sale of stickers produced specially for the project, as well as public donations.

Dave Nicoll, RNLI South West area fundraising manager, said: 'As a charity, the RNLI relies on the efforts of dedicated fundraisers like Stevie to provide the equipment and training needed by our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards to continue saving lives at sea.

'We are always grateful to anyone who is prepared to give up their own time and energy to support us.

'Even the smallest amount makes a difference'

You can check Mr Mann's progress as well as make a donation at http://www.stevie-mann.com/mini-rnli">www.stevie-mann.com/mini-rnli