A LIFEBOAT involved in a heroic rescue on its first day on duty has been officially named in honour of its benefactor.

Crew and volunteers at Hartlepool RNLI held a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of their new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, which was funded by a gift left in the will of D Day landings veteran John Masters.

He asked for the lifeboat to be called Solihull after the place he met his wife, Barbara, and spent much of his life.

Around 100 volunteers and supporters of the charity were joined by members of the public at Hartlepool Marina on Saturday for the naming ceremony performed by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, and service of dedication led by Reverend Chris Collison.

Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mike Craddy, said: ‘I’ve been involved with the RNLI for many years, but it still astounds me that the lifeboats, equipment and training our crews need to help them save lives are all provided by donations and legacies from generous people like Mr Masters.

“None of us had met Mr Masters and we don’t know if he ever visited a lifeboat station, but he was clearly full of admiration for our charity.

“I’m sure he would have been delighted to know his gift has already saved one life off the Hartlepool coast and will help us save many more in the years to come.”

The lifeboat was involved in the rescue of angler, Michael Soley, the first day it set sail when the Darlington father was swept out to sea off the South Gare at Redcar on March 21. Since then, it has been used to rescue 13 people.

Mr Masters, who died in 2011 age 93, wrote in a letter to the RNLI: “I have always had a deep regard for sea-goers and also for your organisation, which does its best to save their lives when they get into trouble.”