New lifeboat handed over

The Barry Lazell IB1-class inflatable lifeboat was donated by the Woodland family, long-term supporters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and named by Mrs Margaret Lazell, widow of the late Barry Lazell.

Mrs Lazell, from Essex, decided to name the lifeboat in memory of her husband, who died in 1998.

She said: "I have been a supporter of the RNLI for many years and I am pleased to have provided Shoreham lifeboat station with a lifeboat. This will ensure that the station can continue saving lives at sea."

She formally handed over the lifeboat to Dr Ian Dand, from the RNLI Council, who then delivered it into the care of Shoreham lifeboat operations manager Chris Bunby.

Dr Dand said: "Shoreham lifeboat station has a long tradition of saving lives and this new inshore lifeboat will help the crews to continue that tradition."

Mr Bunby said: "This is better-equipped lifeboat that will enable us to respond more quickly when the call for help comes.

"In fact, it has already been launched 20 times on service, rescuing 25 people since it has been stationed here."

- For full story and more pictures, see the Lancing Herald, dated Thursday, June 1.