The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is seeking public donations to its Jewellery Appeal, welcoming any unwanted jewellery, medals and collectables to help fund the charity's life-saving work.

This long-standing Jewellery Appeal is now entering its 22nd year, with some of the more unusual past donations including: a set of dentures on gold mount, war medals, mother-of-pearl theatre binoculars, an 1837 hallmarked fish-knife and a Victorian bakelite locket containing a lock of hair.

The generous donations are sold at auctions or fetes to raise funds for essential training and equipment for RNLI volunteer crews.

The appeal was started on TV by Blue Peter and, since then, has relied on word-of-mouth, RNLI volunteers and fundraisers to keep the momentum going. Maren Caldwell, RNLI Head of Regional Fundraising and Communications, says: "The RNLI as a charity relies on public generosity to help its volunteer crews. This appeal is a fine example of the support we receive – the range of items that has been sent in over the lifetime of the appeal has been fantastic. Every donation plays a vital role in helping the RNLI to continue saving lives at sea."

All quality items, including rings, bracelets, chains, earrings, watches, and any other gold and silver items, are greatly appreciated. In past years, war medals, military memorabilia, Victorian and Georgian jewellery, brooches and boxed valuables have been popular at auction.

Any unwanted jewellery and collectables should be sent to Karen Ketley, Appeal Co-ordinator, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

Anyone wishing to support the charity in another way should call freephone on 0800 534210.