ANOTHER year of RNLI tradition and life saving was celebrated at Gorleston and Great Yarmouth’s annual meeting attended by over 70 supporters.

For over 210 years there has been a lifeboat stationed locally to save lives in the North Sea and for over 150 years it has enjoyed the traditions and support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Glowing reports for lifeboat operations manager Neal Duffield, chairman of the Ladies Lifeboat Guild Carol Horne, treasurer June Fuller and Presdient Jim Carter were handed out by by chairman Rev Albert Cadmore.

Funds raised this year had again topped the �175,000 mark, helping towards the annual running costs of over �200,000.

This year had seen other exceptional costs for refits to the boats of over �300,000.

The station has three boats, the Samarbeta Trent class costing over �1.5m, is on hand for all weather assistance out to sea while the ‘B’ class is perfect for coastal and inshore waters. This year the station was promoted by the addition of an Arancia class for service in the Southen Broads area.

This new boat was fully sponsored and named The Kingfisher at the Lifeboat Ball.

The station enjoyed another excellent year with a full crew headed up by coxswain Steve Bartram and station mechanic Paddy Lee.

It had been further honoured during the year with prestigious Gold badges being presented to president Jim Carter and vice president Tom Pace, Silver Badge to Carol Horne, Bronze Badge to Jean Allen, Vellums to Joyce Pownall, Barbara MacAllan and Ivor Steadman.

Visits to the station by the High Sheriff of Norfolk, the Mayor of Great Yarmouth and senior RNLI officials had been highlights of the year.

Pictured is Ivor Steadman receiving his framed Thanks of Vellum certificate from Carol Horne and a presentation of gifts and flowers to Carol Horne from Jim Carter in recognition of her service in a challenging year.