A LONGSTANDING lifeboat volunteer who has worked in an RNLI charity shop for 30 years has received an award for his service.

Colin Blair was presented with the honour for his decades of dedication by RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie during a visit to Newhaven Lifeboat this month.

Colin 89, who was born in Newhaven, was first inspired to volunteer for the RNLI in 1990 and continues to volunteer in its shop in the town.

In 2018 Colin received a framed letter of thanks from the then chief executive Paul Boissier, which praised him for his “tireless efforts to keep the Newhaven shop staffed during a transitional period, ensuring it stayed open".

As well as volunteering in the shop, in 1998 Colin was appointed Newhaven Visit Officer, a position he held for 14 years before retiring at the age of 80 in December 2012.

He said: "When I was Lifeboat Visits Officer I had so many letters from young and old thanking us for the privilege of visiting and actually going on board a lifeboat, seeing first hand what our crews have to face.

"We were the only station in the South East region at the time where one could go on board.

"Over the years it has been immensely satisfying to devote my time to such a worthy charity.

"My proudest moment, however, is of course to receive this award for 30 years of service."

Colin currently volunteers two days a week in the Newhaven shop, as well as covering when other volunteers are unable to attend.

The Argus: RNLI Volunteer, Colin Blair, receiving award for 30-years of volunteer service by RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, at Newhaven LifeboatRNLI Volunteer, Colin Blair, receiving award for 30-years of volunteer service by RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, at Newhaven Lifeboat

He said: "I have always had a soft spot for the town. I may be 89, but it's my intention to continue volunteering for the RNLI for many years to come."

A spokesman for Newhaven Lifeboat said: "Congratulations Colin, Newhaven Lifeboat and all the crew thank you."

His honour comes as another RNLI volunteer spent her first Christmas on call at a lifeboat station after switching roles with her partner.

Bea Homer had her eyes on her pager during the festive season while boyfriend Ian Foden took over the duties at home preparing the dinner.

Bea joined Littlehampton lifeboat station as shore crew in February and Ian recently stood down from the crew after nine years of service.

Bea used to watch the maroons – flares that were used before pagers – go up to alert the lifeboat to launch and was so impressed that at ten years old she did a sponsored walk to raise funds for the RNLI.

When she moved to Littlehampton last year she got the chance to join the team, starting with those on shore who help launch and recover the lifeboat.

She is now a trainee crew member.