THE sale of two rare Ferraris has helped fund the new Pwllheli lifeboat house.

The station has received part of the most valuable gift ever left to the RNLI in a single legacy.

Thanks to the £2.8million provided through the generous legacy of Richard Colton, Pwllheli’s volunteer crew can soon look forward to moving into their new home. Mr Colton left an extraordinary gift to the RNLI in his will in the form of two rare Ferraris. Both cars were sold at auction, raising more than £8.5million.

In addition, the £100,000 community arm of the fundraising appeal has also been hugely successful, raising £83,000 towards the impressive new building so far. The dedicated Pwllheli Lifeboat Station Fundraising Team is still hard at work raising the remaining total and continues to sell the remaining 215 £50 bricks which make up a special commemorative wall at the station.

Charles Denton, Richard Colton’s godson said: “The donation Richard made through his will was incredible and we’re delighted it is being used for such a good purpose. It’s humbling to know this RNLI boathouse and Richard’s name will be here for many, many years to come.”

Businessman Richard Colton died in March 2015 and left the extraordinary legacy to the RNLI of two of the world’s rarest Ferraris. Both went to auction: a 1960 red Ferrari 250 GT SWB sold for £6.6million, while a silver 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 sold for £1.93million, making the vehicles the most valuable items ever left to the RNLI in a single legacy.

Now, as the building work is being completed, Pwllheli Lifeboat Operations Manager Cliff Thomas said: “Receiving this fantastic news really was quite a shock, what an exceptional Christmas gift for us all.

“Seeing the boathouse build develop over the year and the support we’ve had for the community appeal has been inspiring. This latest donation really is a humbling end to what has been a difficult year for everyone.”

Clive Moore, Coxswain at Pwllheli and architect of the new boathouse said: “The move to the new building and site will mark a significant period in the history of the station.”