Lifeboatmen were winched into an RAF helicopter during an exercise off Eastbourne at the weekend

The hour-long practice was the first time the RAF has visited the town from its base at Wattisham, Suffolk, since the late Eighties.

For one of the lifeboats, the Royal Thames, it was its first exercise since undergoing a comprehensive five-month refit.

Normally exercises take place between Eastbourne RNLI and rescue helicopters from Portland and Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire.

But when Eastbourne coxswain Mark Sawyer inquired whether the RAF would manage a visit, they agreed.

Mr Sawyer said today: "It was the first time I've been involved in an RAF exercise and it was very beneficial for all of us.

"Everything went according to plan and we are extremely grateful for the RAF's involvement as it is very rare for them to visit us."