A GLEAMING new lifeboat paid for by local people has been presented to its delighted crew.

Among those most excited by the handover, which took place at Hartlepool Marina on Saturday, were the four children chosen to officially name it.

The naming and dedication of the BBC Radio Cleveland, so called because it was paid for through a campaign organised by the station, was witnessed by a crowd of bystanders eager to see the wraps come off the long-awaited craft.

It marked the culmination of a year's fundraising efforts by the station's listeners and local organisations, who joined in with the Lifeboat 2000 Appeal to buy the much-needed replacement vessel for the Hartlepool station.

Irene Madden and her grandchildren, 11-year-old triplets Lucy, Katy and Jack, and eight-year-old Sophie, were selected from hundreds of applicants to name the Atlantic 75 class lifeboat.

The Darlington youngsters organised a church service in aid of the appeal in memory of their late grandfather, who was a sailor