When John Dann and Richard Worsell

followed in their fathers' footsteps and became coastguards they added 40 years of bravery to a family tradition.

Their fathers, uncles and grandfathers had dedicated their lives to saving others during 265 years of continuous family service.

But now it has come to an end. The two cousins have stepped down from their lifesaving positions at Birling Gap Auxiliary coastguard but vow to keep the family history alive.

John and Richard hope to pass their memories down through the family and believe younger members will be intrigued by their dramatic tales.

The men have five daughters and seven grandchildren between them but do not believe they will enter the service.

John, 57, from East Dean, said: "They love hearing our stories but I don't think they will be joining up.

"When we were lads all the men in the village wanted to be coastguards.

"But now things have changed. People have less free time and don't seem interested in joining up."

Richard, 59, from Friston, said: "Our fathers used to tell us exciting tales about their experiences and we couldn't wait to have some tales of our own."

John joined the service when he was 17 and Richard, his best friend and cousin, was 19.

During their 40 years of service the men have taken part in hundreds of sea and cliff rescues but certain incidents have stuck in their minds.

John fondly remembers an encounter with a girl in a skimpy yellow bikini while Richard remembers a harrowing rescue.

John said: "A couple were left stranded after falling asleep half naked on a beach at high tide. I helped the girl up the cliff and as we arrived at the top she threw her arms around me and gave me a big kiss. All the lads cheered and I got very embarrassed.

"Her boyfriend was less keen to climb the cliff and refused to come out from behind a rock. When he did show himself he came up to me and said 'just don't tell my wife'. That was probably the funniest rescue I took part in."

Richard remembers a daring rescue which earned his father a British Empire Medal for bravery.

He said: "A student had been camping at Beachy Head but his bed roll had blown over the cliff so he climbed down to get it and got stuck.

"The rescue operation started in the afternoon and continued late into the evening.

"We were very concerned for his safety because there had been a rock fall and our ladders were buried in rubble.

"But after many hours the man was brought up the cliff to safety but it

was a frightening experience."

Both Richard and John have been awarded long service medals and Richard also received an MBE for services to the coastguard.

The men are very sad to leave the service but are looking forward to spending more time with their families and pursuing

hobbies.

John said: "We would like to thank the coastguard service and lifeboat crews in Sussex for making our 40 years of service a memorable experience."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.