A speaker at a women's institute meeting has told of how she helped preserve sunken treasures - and managed the rescue of a stranded whale.

Veronica Robbins, a former Receiver of Wreck, detailed her captivating career safeguarding Britain's maritime heritage in an engaging presentation.

From managing stranded 80ft sperm whales to preserving sunken treasures of gold coins and sapphires, Robbins played a crucial role.

In 1995, she updated the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act, and introduced the first Wreck Amnesty, with the British Museum aiding in the recovery of items.

Her dedication led to successful prosecutions for those unlawfully claiming Crown property.

She was honoured for returning seven ancient artefacts, the Castor Marbles, to Turkey. Even stranded ‘Fishes Royal’ fell under her responsibilities, evidencing the vast scope of her role.

President of Stokes Bay WI, Angela MacCallum, said: "We heard about a sunken ship containing live unstable ordnance. Another of her fascinating tales covered the SS Politician which ran aground in the Hebrides with a cargo of whisky - with crates still occasionally found on the shore – Veronica didn’t hesitate to recommend prosecution for those who pillage from wrecks."