Scarborough and Filey RNLI close stations and shops during the coronavirus outbreak

Scarborough RNLI Lifeboat Station on South Bay. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

Scarborough lifeboat station, including the shop, is now accessible only to crew on duty and those responding to their pagers.

A spokesman said: "We thank all our supporters and volunteers who have always been welcome to visit the station and trust you understand that this decision has been taken to enable us to keep our crew healthy and able to continue saving lives at sea."

Filey lifeboat station has taken similar measures.

In a statement Filey RNLI said: "Further to the HM Government announement this afternoon, our lifeboat shop will be closed until further notice and no non-operational visitors will be allowed in the boathouse.

"This way we hope to maintain our lifesaving service in these difficult times."

Several fundraising events in aid of Scarborough RNLI have also been cancelled.

They include Scarborough Ladies Lifeboat Guild’s coffee morning at Park Manor Hotel on March 24 and a model-boat show at the lifeboat station on April 18.

An 80s-themed charity night in aid of the charity has been postponed until August 1.