A SELL-out crowd of 300 and two of the world's great sailors, Sir Robin Knox Johnston and Dame Ellen MacArthur, attended an exclusive charity outdoor screening of the film The Mercy at The Towers, Yarmouth, on Sunday.

The event raised around £4,500 for Yarmouth RNLI funds with special permission being given by the studio to show the film prior to its release on DVD next week.

The film was introduced by The Towers owner, John Caulcutt, and is based on the true story of the disastrous attempt by the amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst to complete the around the world Golden Globe Race in 1968 and his subsequent attempts to cover up his failure.

The race was eventually won by Sir Robin.

Chief Yarmouth RNLI fundraiser, Debbie Cotton, who organised the event, said: "We were really worried because of the weather and we could see the thunder and lightning on the mainland but thankfully it stayed there.

"The film didn't finish until 11pm and Sir Robin then took a question and answer session which went on for quite a long time, before Dame Ellen brought the event to a close."

There was live music from Country Comfort before the film began as well as food and a bar.

The Mercy, starring Colin Firth, is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on Monday.