THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution has a long, proud history stretching back to 1824.

During that time, around 140,000 lives have been saved by the brave volunteers of one of our most admirable charity services. Sadly, 600 lives have been lost in trying to rescue others.

Our story on Page 35 today shines a spotlight on the kind of heroism for which the RNLI has become known. Lifeboatman Sean Baxter, 56, risked his own life by staying with an injured holidaymaker as they were battered against Staithes' North Pier last August.

As Peter Severs, 49, with a broken thigh, clung to a ladder on the harbour wall, Mr Baxter took the full force of crashing waves to support the injured man until a lifeboat could get close enough to pick them up. Such was the ferocity of the conditions that two rescue attempts had to be aborted before the rescue could be completed.

It is heroic stuff indeed and Mr Baxter thoroughly deserves to be presented with a "Thanks of the Institution" award in recognition of his bravery.

It is the hallmark of many heroes that they are also humble and Mr Baxter was quick to dedicate his award to the rest of the crew, insisting it was a team effort.

He would also be the first to acknowledge that the RNLI has heroes in every one of its 236 lifeboat stations, manning 444 lifeboats, which are ready to go out on life-saving missions in all weathers, day and night.

It is a service which depends on legacies and donations from the public and we hope the story of Sean Baxter's selfless courage helps swell the coffers of a magnificent charity.