A DECORATED Navy veteran will speak at a fund-raising dinner near Kidderminster this month to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Admiral Lord Boyce will be describing his distinguished career to members of the Stourbridge branch of the RNLI.

Branch chairman, Chris Fonteyn, said: "Admiral Lord Boyce has had a distinguished naval career. We are delighted that this prominent figure and celebrity speaker is able to join us.

"It should be a very enjoyable evening. It's an excellent opportunity for friends to get together or maybe for businesses to entertain guests."

Lord Boyce is a former submarine commander and was Chief of Naval Staff from 1998 until 2001. He received his peerage in 2003 following his retirement.

The Stourbridge branch raises money to support Britain's 230 lifeboat stations where the majority of crew members are volunteers.

The dinner will be held at the Granary Hotel, Shenstone, on Friday, April 11. More information can be obtained from Chris Fonteyn on 01384 376865.