BUCKINGHAM Covers, leading producer of designer first day covers (collectable envelopes), have released a set of four first day covers officially created for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to celebrate the Royal Mail's new 'Rescue at Sea' stamp set.

Created by award winning designer, Cath Buckingham, each cover features a special postmark from a different lifeboat town: Barra, St. Ives, Tenby or Appledore.

A number of editions are available, including some carried on board lifeboats and personally signed by the crew. The RNLI will receive between £1 and £13 per sale, depending on the edition.

"I am very excited about helping the RNLI. Our company is based in Folkestone, so the sea is part of our daily lives and we hugely appreciate the work they do. I hope this project will raise at least £10,000," said Tony Buckingham, chairman of Buckingham Covers.

Sue Knox, customer service representative at Buckingham Covers, thinks it could be a great success.

"The phone has been going mad!" she said. "Collectors love fund-raising pieces, especially if they are investment quality like this." Cath Buckingham has also created a limited edition stamp sheet, also raising funds for RNLI. £4 from the sale of each sheet goes to RNLI. Previous Buckingham sheets have sold out completely with long waiting lists and often re-sell for very high prices on the secondary market. This looks to be no exception. "It is strange when you see something you've sold for £22.95 re-sell within days for over £100 on eBay," Tony smiled. "But I don't have a problem with it. Our priority is the fund-raising. I don't mind if other people make money out of it later." Royal Mail expressed delight in Cath's latest sheet design, which will be offered to Royal Mail collectors as well.

Prices for covers range from £12.95 for a single cover to £65 for a full set of carried and signed covers. The stamp sheets cost £22.95. Postage, packing and insurance is £1.65. To order, call 01303 278137, or order online at http://www.buckinghamcovers.com/lifeboats">www.buckinghamcovers.com/lifeboats