A new lifeboat is set to be launched on the Norfolk coast this weekend - but in miniature.

Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth is welcoming a new addition on Sunday, September 22, with the arrival of a replica vessel and station of Caister lifeboat.

The model is a scale replica of the service's new £1.6m Medina-class boat.

During the event, the lifeboat's crew - the lifesize versions, that is - will be bring the vessel down to the back of Merrivale for photos of both the model and the vessel, before officially opening the replica inside the village.

A replica of Caister Lifeboat station which will be exhibted at Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth.A replica of Caister Lifeboat station which will be exhibted at Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Helter-skelter slides back to Yarmouth after 40 years

Visitors will be able to put any coin in a slot which will launch the vessel down a ramp and into a pond, before it returns to the station.

All proceeds will go to Caister Lifeboat, which is an independent lifeboat charity.

The village's owners will also be donating £1 per person for every visitor who buys a ticket on the day. 

Sophi Parkes, who owns and runs Merrivale with Dean Gray, said: "It's nice for us to be able to help out."

The models were made by students at Arts University Bournemouth.

READ MORE: 'It's a passion' - meet the new lord and lady of Merrivale

Caister Lifeboat's new £1.6m vessel in training near Scroby Sands with the Bernard Matthews lifeboat.Caister Lifeboat's new £1.6m vessel in training near Scroby Sands with the Bernard Matthews lifeboat. (Image: Caister Lifeboat)

In recent weeks, the crew of Caister independent lifeboat have been learning the ropes on board their new Medina-class boat ahead of its official naming ceremony.

It is expected the boat will soon be going on service.

Merrivale Model Village owners Dean Gray and Sophi Parkes. Merrivale Model Village owners Dean Gray and Sophi Parkes. (Image: Archant)

Ms Parkes also reflected on the summer season at Merrivale.

"It was a long time coming but it was okay in the end," she said. "The main six weeks were quite promising.

"But we've got some catching up to do."

Merrivale will stay open until the end of November when it shuts for the winter, giving the owners time for renovation works, before opening again for next year's February half-term.