A free exhibition will take place at Weston Library to celebrate 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The display will run from May 1 to May 31 and is part of the Local and Community History Month, covering all about the RNLI in Weston-super-Mare.

Visitors to the library in the Town Hall on Walliscote Grove Road can expect large-scale imagery, hand-picked from the Local Studies Archive, as well as local history books.

All specially selected to tell the story of the RNLI, the charity known for saving lives at sea, and its lengthy relationship with Birnbeck Pier.

This initiative is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Weston-super-Mare RNLI is currently operating temporarily on the plaza beside Marine Lake.

It was noted that once Birnbeck Pier is restored, RNLI plans to re-establish and continue their lifesaving service from Birnbeck Island.

According to records, RNLI's Weston volunteer team has launched more than a thousand times since 2000, aided 572 people, and saved 85 lives.

Councillor Mark Canniford, executive member in charge of placemaking, said: "We have a strong relationship with the RNLI and are working with them closely on the project to restore Birnbeck Pier and Island.

"This exhibition – running throughout May – comes at an exciting time for the project, as the first planning application has been submitted."

He also detailed plans for the future of the pier: "If approved, work is proposed to start later this year on the landside buildings so that they could reopen to the public next year."

Bringing a cultural perspective to the exhibition, councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's head member for culture, leisure, and seafronts, expressed delight that the library is hosting the event.

He said: "I encourage people to visit the exhibition to find out more about the rich history of our town.

"This is just one example of the fantastic range of events hosted by our libraries service, and goes to highlight the importance that libraries play in our communities."

Emily Gale, RNLI community manager covering Weston-super-Mare, added: "The exhibition, running during the RNLI’s 200th year, is a wonderful chance for local people to learn more about the RNLI and long connection to the community in Weston."

Visitors can attend the exhibition during the usual library operating hours.

More details about Weston Library's opening times can be located on the North Somerset Council's official website.