Lifeboat crew members and dedicated fundraisers from Norfolk and Suffolk who have worked tirelessly helping save lives and promoting the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) have received a prestigious award in recognition of their efforts.

Gold badges, one of the highest awards the RNLI can give to its supporters, have been given out by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent at the annual RNLI awards ceremony held at the Barbican Theatre, London.

One of those receiving an gold badge award was Frank Muirhead in recognition of more than 30 years of service to the RNLI in which he has been a Cromer Lifeboat crew member, fundraiser and guardian of the Henry Blogg Museum, which he took over the running of in 1996.

He is also a founder member of the Norfolk and Waveney Maritime Partnership, Museums in Norfolk Group and North Norfolk Museum Partnership, building connections to promote and improve the museum. He is a member of the Lifeboat enthusiasts group.

Overall he has dedicated 36 years to the RNLI in operations, fundraising and heritage.

Speaking about receiving the badge, the 74-year-old said: 'I think it is really recognition for the family as well having had to put up with it all these years. It has been immensely enjoyable though.'

Museum manager Jacqui Palmer said: 'Frank is an inspiration. His tenacity and enthusiasm ensured we have a wonderful collection of photographs, objects and archives of Cromer's lifeboat heritage to share here at the museum. He always emphasises how important it is to work as a team and without teamwork the RNLI would achieve very little.'

Others receiving gold badges included Victor Brown, who has served for 28 years with the Dereham and district branch as treasurer and secretary and flag week organiser, Liz Hornegold, who is currently secretary of the Dereham and district branch and has given the RNLI 31 years of service, Dr Tom Pace, who has been the lifeboat medical advisor (LMA) for Great Yarmouth and Gorleston station for just over 20 years, Jim Carter, who has given nearly 22 years to the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston station branch, and June Fuller from the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Guild who presently serves as branch treasurer and has given 25 years of service.

Silver and bronze badges and certificates of thanks are set to be given out to lifeboat supporters from across the region at a separate ceremony on June 5.

Silver badges - Richard Belgrove Dereham and district branch, Carol Horne Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Guild, Anne Little Sheringham station branch

Statuette - Bob Parish Sheringham station branch

Bronze - Jean Allen Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Guild, Victor Brett Cromer Guild, David Jones Hunstanton and West Norfolk Guild, Joan McGreadie Cromer Guild

Certificate of thanks - Peter and Rita Evans Sheringham station branch, Molly Girling Cromer Guild, Des Keen Sheringham station branch, Sue Lacey Sheringham station branch, Barbara Macallan Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Guild, Phyllis New Sheringham station branch, Betty Parish Sheringham station branch, Yvonne Potter Wroxham branch, Joyce Pownall Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Guild, Mike Richford Lowestoft station branch

Anne and David Webster Sheringham station branch, Martin Williamson Sheringham branch (posthumous award), Sassithon Williamson corrSheringham station branch