A RNLI volunteer who has racked up 30 years service is retiring from operational duties.

Tommy Price joined Hartlepool RNLI in 1985 as a volunteer crewmember and over the years has also served as assistant mechanic on the all weather lifeboat and helm on the inshore lifeboat and lately as deputy launching authority.

One the major incidents the 70-year-old was involved in during his service happened on February 28 in 1993 when he was assistant mechanic on Hartlepool RNLI’s all weather lifeboat, Scout, that suffered a double capsize on its way to assist the stricken tanker, Freja Svea, that had run aground in Teesbay in heavy seas.

He said: "I am disappointed to be retiring but it is RNLI policy that operational personnel have to retire at 70 years old. I have enjoyed my time at Hartlepool RNLI immensely and have made some good friends over the years. I won’t be leaving altogether as I will still be about the station as station administration officer."

The dedicated volunteer was presented with camera equipment from Hartlepool RNLI crewmembers and received a Vellum of thanks for his long service from the RNLI.

Hartlepool RNLI’s operations manager Mike Craddy said: "Tommy has been a great asset to Hartlepool RNLI over the last 30 years and he will be greatly missed. I would like to thank Tommy for his long service and I personally appreciate all the help he has given to me and the lifeboat service here in Hartlepool."