CREW from the RNLI Barry Dock lifeboat used their annual dinner to thank wives and families for supporting them and to bid farewell to friends.

The volunteer crew saved up to enjoy a well earned meal at the Six Bells in Penmark and this year were joined by colleagues from flank station Penarth, and medal winner Paul Eastment from Porthcawl, who attended a flood rescue last Christmas with Barry Crew Member Marc Gibbons and saved a woman's life.

She had been swept away by floods in her Cornish home town before being rescued in dramatic circumstances by Paul and his colleagues.

The dinner saw them say goodbye to former crew member Duncan Cooper who is moving away from the Barry area to pursue work opportunities in Cirencester.

He was thanked for his 8 1/2 years of service and the active role he took at the station and presented with a certificate of thanks.

The crew also said farewell to crew member Karl Spierling who has moved to Scotland to pursue new opportunities.

Karl joined the crew in 1990 and has attended 207 emergencies, saving 32 lives. He was presented with a certificate of thanks and the crew wished him well in his new endeavours.

The volunteer crew are on call 24/7 to respond to a wide variety of emergency situations at sea. The RNLI has had its busiest summer for 24 years this summer and the crew has faced many challenges.

Crew members had volunteered to cover the lifeboat during the event to allow other crew members to take the night off and enjoy the event.

Crew were called out on Monday, October 21, but stood down before launching.

The preventative work of the education team continued with a visit from High Street Primary School pupils to the station on Tuesday. October 22.

Youth groups who would like to visit the station should call 01446 735678 to book.