THE naming of new RNLI lifeboat revealed the story of how a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot ended up making a bequest to help keep the charity afloat.

Redcar's volunteer crew took delivery of their new D class lifeboat, named in memory of Eileen May Loach-Thomas, late last year. It has already been called upon on ten occasions for incidents ranging from the rescue of stranded dogs to searches for missing people.

However, it was during its official launch, members first heard how a Shropshire engineer came to donate money to the seafaring charity.

The story behind Nick Thomas' donation revealed how he met his first wife, who the boat was named after, during the war.

"The first we heard about the story was at the launch," said Redcar RNLI lifeboat operations manager, Dave Cocks. "We were told how he was a German pilot who shot down during the war and was rescued from the sea - I would like to say by the RNLI but I don't honestly know.

"He met his wife during the Second World War and after it ended he stayed in the country and settled in Shropshire where became heavily involved in a rowing club, so he clearly had an affinity for water. The bequest in memory of his wife, who died in the 1970s, just shows how much."

The new vessel was unveiled in the charity’s lifeboat station when volunteer crew and their families were joined by RNLI supporters and colleagues from neighbouring lifeboat stations.

Mr Cocks added: "The naming ceremony is always a very special day for everyone involved with the RNLI in this area. The christening of each new lifeboat at Redcar means we can say on that day the town officially has the world’s newest lifeboat and the world’s oldest surviving lifeboat, the Zetland, at the same time.

"Redcar was one of the pioneering RNLI lifeboat stations in 1963 when we trialled the prototype craft from which this new boat has evolved. It has already been put to good use and our volunteer crew has put in a lot of extra time to train with the new navigation and communications equipment. They are all delighted with its performance."

The ceremony included a service of dedication conducted by Reverend Rachel Harrison from St Peter’s Church and musical support was provided by the Marske Fishermen’s Choir.