HEMSBY Lifeboat's new inshore vessel was blessed and officially named recently, watched by more than 70 people.The village church was packed for the blessing ceremony and the naming of the vessel - Long Waves - was made on the beach.

HEMSBY Lifeboat's new inshore vessel was blessed and officially named recently, watched by more than 70 people.

The village church was packed for the blessing ceremony and the naming of the vessel - Long Waves - was made on the beach.

Youngsters at Hemsby Primary School had entered a competition to name the boat, the crew choosing the final name.

The children had been asked to include the word “Long” after a donation of �15,000 from the Long family, who have been linked to Hemsby for many years. The Humber Destroyer vessel cost a total of �30,000 - the remainder of the cash coming from the public donations and fundraising events.

The blessing at the church was led by Fr Adrian Ling, who becomes the first chaplain of the lifeboat in its 30-year history. The naming ceremony was followed by a buffet donated by the Lacon Arms and the Two Way Caf� provided tea and coffee.

Run entirely by volunteers, Hemsby Lifeboat Rescue Service receives no funding from the government or the RNLI, reling totally on public donations. It is the only service to provide a lifeboat service to both the sea and the whole of the Norfolk Broads.

To find out more about the service, join a fundraising event, or the service, contact Coxswain Adam Rossiter on 01493 730337 or 07766965244.