Colin Shairp, director of Fine and Country in Drayton, has adopted the Royal National Lifeboat Institution as his chosen charity for this year and has launched the campaign by donating £500, enough to fund a lifejacket. But he has also pledged £10 to the RNLI for every property registered for sale with his Fine and Country branch, and its associated Town and Country Southern agency, throughout the year.

“The sea features large in the lives of many people in south east Hampshire,” explains Colin, born on the island of Luing off the West Coast of Scotland. “Many of the people I meet through my business love the water and may one day have to call on the RNLI’s services and, even if they don’t, many are ardent supporters. I hope to raise several thousand pounds over the next 12 months.”