THE campaign to get cash together to build a home for Morecambe RNLI's hovercraft has prompted a huge response from residents but the milestone is still a long way off.

The Home For A Hover appeal has so far attracted £90,000 since it was launched last July but £250,000 is needed to build the home.

Jean Raffaelli, area fundraiser for the RNLI, says the response has been phenomenal.

"It has helped because it is for a local cause and people can see where there money is going. Also, people saw how important the hovercraft was during the tragedy last year and what a difference it made which may also have urged them to give."

She says: " We are still a long way off yet, but I am hoping that we will have the money by next December so that we can get on with getting the building done."

The hovercraft, which came to Morecambe in December 2003, is currently being homed by Morecambe and Heysham yachting club but a permanent premises is needed to make launching the craft quicker.

"It takes an extra five minutes to launch the hovercraft because of where it is stored and five minutes is a long time and can mean the life and death of someone," she adds.

She urges any local clubs to get their fund-raising hats on to help meet the cash target.