BARRY Dock RNLI has announced that a brand-new Shannon Class lifeboat will arrive at Whitmore Bay next weekend.

The new Shannon Class lifeboat will arrive in Barry on March 17 from Poole with crew volunteers travelling down the south coast to bring it to Barry.

The journey back to Barry will take a week as the crew will undertake intensive training throughout the trip.

A spokesperson for Barry Dock RNLI said: “On Sunday, March 17, you will be able to see the Shannon arrive, accompanied by our current Trent Class lifeboat and D-class lifeboat.

“If the weather permits and they are operationally able to do so, lifeboats from our flank stations around the Bristol channel will also be alongside, forming a flotilla of lifeboats.

“The crew will carry out a short demonstration of the Shannon off Whitmore Bay at 11.30am and we would love for you to come and welcome the Shannon and her crew home.”

The RNLI celebrated its 200th anniversary on Monday, March 4, the arrival of the new lifeboat is an historic occasion and children will be able to visit the RNLI experience in Barry Island on the day to pick up a free flag.

Following the demo in the Bay, the lifeboats will continue around Nell’s Point to acknowledge their sea safety colleagues at the National Coastwatch institution at Nells Point and into Barry Dock Harbour by 12pm.

Barry Dock RNLI will be holding a #shannonSelfie competition and are asking people to share on FaceBook on Instagram a photo of themselves with the Shannon in the background and tag Barry Dock RNLI.

The best selfie will win a guided tour of the station and the Shannon, where you can take a new selfie at the wheel of the amazing new boat.

The Barry Yacht Club will be open for visitors, with the bar open and Sunday lunches being served.