A LIFEBOAT volunteer has retired after 20 years' service.

Alistair Rae, lifeboat administration officer at Hartlepool RNLI, has decided to step down due to work and family commitments.

Malcolm Cook, Chairman of Hartlepool RNLI Management Group Committee presented Mr Rae with a framed photograph of Hartlepool RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, Betty Huntbatch, to thank him for his service.

"Alastair has done a great job over the last 20 years and we are sorry to see him go. He will be greatly missed," said Mr Cook.

Mr Rae said: "It has been an honour and a pleasure to be involved with Hartlepool RNLI.

"The volunteer crew members are a great bunch of lads who do a great job selflessly to help save lives at sea.

"I have enjoyed my time on the management group committee and really appreciate all the work done not just by the crew members but also the volunteers of the fundraising enterprise branch and management officials.

"This photograph will have pride of place in my home and I wish you all well for the future and that you all stay safe."