Supporter legacy funds Amble lifeboat
A new RNLI lifeboat will operate off the Northumberland coast, thanks to a long-time supporter of the charity.
The Amble RNLI has taken delivery of the Mildred Holcroft, funded by a legacy from Yorkshireman John Holcroft, and named after his late wife.
The D-class inshore vessel will operate alongside Amble's all-weather lifeboat, and replaces a D class which has reached the end of operational life.
It will provide a rapid response to distress calls close to the shore.
Mr Holcroft, who died in 2005, was a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy and became a governor of the RNLI.
Amble RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Rodney Burge, said: "Everyone at Amble lifeboat station is extremely grateful to Mr Holcroft, who left a very generous legacy to the RNLI.
"Our charity depends on donations and legacies for its existence and without such kindness, our volunteer lifeboat crews would be unable to carry out their lifesaving role.
"Mildred Holcroft will be used regularly to rescue people who get into difficulty off the north-east coast and the friends and family of Mr and Mrs Holcroft can rest assured that this legacy will really make a difference to helping us save lives at sea."