GAVIN and Stacey co-writer and star, Ruth Jones has recorded a video message supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) annual Mayday appeal.

The actor, who plays Nessa in the award-winning comedy, championed the fundraiser which, this year, has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Jones raised a cuppa to RNLI crews throughout the UK and also gave a shout out to three lifeboat stations close to her heart – Barry and Porthcawl, in South Wales, and Lochinver, in the north west of Scotland.

‘Nessa’ notably gave a special mention to the Barry Dock RNLI crew in the BBC Christmas Special of 2019 when she announced she was on duty for the lifeboat on New Year’s Eve.

More than 11.5 million people watched the Christmas Day show which is based in Barry.

RNLI volunteer crews are still on call 24/7, ready to rescue those in danger at sea and the charity needs to continue raising funds to support the service.

RNLI Barry Dock lifeboat spokesman, Nigel Parry said: “It’s great to have this show of support from Ruth Jones.

“The RNLI Mayday fundraising event - A Family Fun Day - has had to be cancelled so the Cuppa For The Crew is just one of the exciting fundraising ideas you can do from the safety your own home to support our RNLI volunteers.”

A RNLI spokesman added: “We were absolutely delighted that Ruth wanted to show her support for our amazing volunteers as they remain on call during the pandemic.

“Her video having a cuppa for the crew has given us all real boost.”

To view the video, visit facebook.com/watch/?v=319420039025795