Roland's Happy Plaice is winner for SAR

A Seaside Fish and Chip shop near Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is doing its bit to say ‘Thank You’ to 771 Naval Air Squadron.

‘Roland's Happy Plaice’, in Porthleven has chosen to raise money for the Royal Navy’s Search and Rescue helicopter squadron’s SAR60 charity fund  this year and has a series of fund raising ideas to contribute to the three SAR60 charities (Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charities, CLIC Sargent and Children’s Hospice South West).

"Last year, just before Air Day, we made up a giant banner that we hung across the roof of the shop to say 'Thank You' for all the work that the guys do, said Roland Lowery, owner of the popular Porthleven chip shop. "We had to take it down during the winter and the stormy gales, but we’ve put it back again ready for our fundraising launch. A lot of families from the base live in the village and are customers here. I felt we just had to say a big thank you for everything they do."

Roland has already been busy at a launch event for the 771 NAS themed charity drive he raised £1040 by donating four hours worth of takings to the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charities. On hand to receive the donation was the Commanding Officer of 771 NAS, Commander Martin Shepherd and other members of the Squadron.

“It’s a tremendous effort to raise all this money and help with the Squadron’s chosen charity”, said Cdr Shepherd. “Roland has really made us all feel welcome and it’s good to know that the local community support us at Culdrose”.

Mr Lowery has decorated his shop with helicopters and is providing red and grey uniforms for his staff, to match the colours of the 711 Naval Air Squadron rescue helicopters.