There was a changing of the guard at Caister on Sunday as thousands of people got to see a new £1.6m lifeboat on display.

The morning's poor weather meant the Caister Lifeboat's biggest fundraiser of the year was off to a late start.

But from 1pm, the annual Lifeboat Day saw more than 2,000 people show their support for the heroic service.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Caister Lifeboat's new £1.6m Medina-class vessel in the North Sea. Picture - Caister LifeboatCaister Lifeboat's new £1.6m Medina-class vessel in the North Sea. Picture - Caister Lifeboat (Image: Caister Lifeboat)

The day was heralded by the returning City of Norwich Pipe Band, who led a procession from the village's main road down to the lifeboat station.

Later in the day, Caister Lifeboat's current main vessel, the Bernard Matthews II, was joined in the water by her replacement - the new £1.6m Medina-class boat which has been under construction on the Isle of Wight for the past year.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The City of Norwich Pipe Band leads the way through Beach Road. Picture - Caister LifeboatThe City of Norwich Pipe Band leads the way through Beach Road. Picture - Caister Lifeboat (Image: Caister Lifeboat)

Coxswain Guy Gibson said: "We wanted to show a comparison between the old boat and the new.

"And our new vessel was really well received.

"It was a proud moment to give a demonstration of our new vessel. It's a great bit of kit."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Caister Lifeboat coxswain Guy Gibson. Picture - NewsquestCaister Lifeboat coxswain Guy Gibson. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Caister Lifeboat)

Mr Gibson added that despite the later start, it was a fantastic day.

"It was a pleasure to see everyone come down, and we really appreciate the support," he added.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: CHEERS: The Caister Lifeboat crew raised a glass to all the support they received at the annual Lifeboat Day. Picture - Caister LifeboatCHEERS: The Caister Lifeboat crew raised a glass to all the support they received at the annual Lifeboat Day. Picture - Caister Lifeboat (Image: Caister Lifeboat)

The lifeboat's new 45-foot-long vessel will be returning to the Isle of Wight with its new bespoke carriage for final tests before returning to its home for operational service later this year.

The new craft comes as part of its Keep The Boat Afloat campaign, which is raising funds for new lifesaving equipment, including a Seatrax-constructed carriage and a refurbished marinised tractor unveiled at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Caister Lifeboat's new 45-foot Medina-class vessel on the water besides its current craft, the Bernard Matthews II. Picture - Caister LifeboatCaister Lifeboat's new 45-foot Medina-class vessel on the water besides its current craft, the Bernard Matthews II. Picture - Caister Lifeboat (Image: Caister Lifeboat)

Last week, comedian Jim Davidson released a documentary about Caister Lifeboat crew members who endeavoured to get the new vessel named after their late mother.

The new boat's naming ceremony will take place sometime next spring.

For more information on the Keep The Boat Afloat campaign, visit www.caisterlifeboat.org.uk/keep-the-boat-afloat