A LIFEBOAT station which has experienced its busiest year believes the figures are nothing to worry about.

Official statistics from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute are not released until early April, but figures from Redcar Lifeboat Station show the seaside town's two lifeboats were launched 56 times to search and rescue incidences last year - an increase of 23 launches on the previous year.

But Deputy Launching Authority Dave Cammish believes the statistics do not tell the whole story and does not believe any importance should be attached to the rise.

"We are delighted to have made such a big contribution to sea safety in our area, but we are also disappointed that so many people got into difficulties, despite the amount of advice that is freely available.

"Many of the incidents in 2001 could be described as routine from a lifeboat point of view, but some were outstanding."

During the year, the crews rescued a man and three children in his care, who were cut off beneath the cliffs at Saltburn, and helped safeguard the newly-renovated Saltburn Pier when a passenger ship ran aground.