A special scroll being relayed between RNLI stations has reached Barrow.

The scroll, which bears the RNLI pledge, is being passed through RNLI lifeboat stations, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches around the UK and Ireland to mark the organisation's 200th birthday.

It is printed in seven languages: English, Irish Gaelic, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Ulster Scots, Manx, and Cornish.

The pledge reads: "Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives.

"We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us.

"This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together.

"Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible.

"That is what has always driven us to save every one we can.

"It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver."

Representatives at each location sign the scroll before relaying it to the next checkpoint.

At Barrow Lifeboat Station, the scroll was signed by Shaun Charnley and Chris Clouter on behalf of the crew and Lifeboat Management Group; Beryl Coles and Clare Rigg from the Barrow Ladies Guild; and Christine Blakemore of the Grange-over-Sands branch.

Chris Clouter, Barrow Lifeboat press officer and deputy launch authority, said: "As the RNLI celebrates 200 years since its foundation, 2024 also marks 160 years of Barrow Lifeboats.

"In that time the dedication and commitment of our volunteer crew has enabled hundreds of lives to be saved and many more who have found themselves in difficulty at sea or around the coast have been helped.

"The signing of the scroll today reaffirms the commitment of our crews, our fundraisers and all those working behind the scenes to continue to save lives at sea."

The scroll - which measures five metres in length - is passing through 240 RNLI locations around the UK and Ireland, and will conclude its seven-month journey in October, at Douglas on the Isle of Man.

Douglas was home to the RNLI's founder, Sir William Hillary.

By the time it reaches the island, the scroll will bear around 700 signatures.

Barrow was the 174th station visited by the scroll since it began its journey on March 4, and was delivered to Barrow by Chris Smith, the RNLI’s bicentenary events driver, and Katie McMillan, senior lifeguard at Formby.

Anjie Rook, RNLI associate director, who is overseeing the RNLI’s 200th anniversary programmes, said: "The Connecting our Communities relay is one of the most significant events of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year as it’s all about our people.

"For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is – from our brave lifesavers who risk their lives to save others, to the committed fundraisers and generous donors who fund our lifesaving work.

"We asked our communities to express interest in participating in this event and we have been overwhelmed by the response – we’re thrilled to have representation from our stations, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland.

"Everything about the scroll – from the design and materials, to the wording printed on it and the locations it’s travelling to – reflects the communities we serve.

"By the end of the relay we will have an important document which will become part of the charity’s history and a significant snapshot of the charity as it stands at 200 years old."

Ford has provided an All-Electric E-Transit van to transport the scroll on its journey.

When the seven-month-long journey is complete, the scroll will be displayed in the RNLI College in Poole, where the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards are trained.

More information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary is available at RNLI.org/200