Daniel Craig - who has just signed a multi-million pound contract to star in the next four James Bond movies - has spoken for the first time about his support for the RNLI.
The actor, who sailed a graceful Spirit yacht in his first Bond movie, Casion Royale, had the opportunity to meet volunteer lifeboat crew members at Ramsgate Lifeboat Station earlier in the season when, for the first time, he went to sea with the RNLI.
The private visit was arranged at Daniel's request.
During his time afloat he took both the RNLI station's Trent class all-weather lifeboat and 32 knot Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat through their paces.
The tireless, unassuming, and above all brave work that the RNLI volunteers undertake everyday makes me proud and honoured to be associated with them. Please help them do their job - support your local lifeboat, urges the movie star.
It was a bit of a surprise for the crew but we were thrilled to be able to show Daniel just what our RNLI lifeboat crews do. Everyone who crewed with Daniel was impressed by his knowledge and interest in the work of our charity. His handling of the inshore lifeboat was certainly impressive. He was good fun to have aboard. We'd have him back any time, said Coxswain Ian Cannon
We are delighted that Daniel Craig has chosen to join us. His invaluable support will do much to raise our charity's profile. With the launch earlier this week of the RNLI's SOS Day campaign, our annual national fundraising event, this simply could not have come at a better time, said RNLI Chief Executive Andrew Freemantle.
