Award-winning crime writer Jim Kelly met the real life version of his fictional hero detective Peter Shaw on a visit to Hunstanton lifeboat station.

Mr Kelly won the Crime Writers' Association's Dagger in the Library award for his six Shaw & Valentine books set on the north Norfolk coast.

In the books, Peter Shaw pilots the RNLI's rescue hovercraft, Hunstanton Flyer.

Mr Kelly was taken out on an exercise by Victor Dade, commander, with crew member Hannah Torrice.

He said: 'It was a fantastic experience to meet all the crew and get out on Flyer. The book is dedicated to them all. To my mind they're all heroes.

'The books are set on what I like to call The Fifty Mile Beach – the stunning sandy stretch which runs along the edge of the North Sea. Some of the stories are also set in King's Lynn – a medieval port which still has a dark Gothic, heart.'

Mr Kelly, 59, whose father was a detective in the Metropolitan Police, made the visit ahead of the launch of his next book – Death Ship – which will be held at the station on September 3, at 3pm.

At the launch – inside the hovercraft house – Mr Kelly will give a short talk about his books and members of the crew will be on hand to give guided tours of the station.

Afternoon tea will follow – donated by Moss Bakery, Tesco in Hunstanton and King's Lynn and Caley Hall Hotel.

Tickets for the launch, £12.50, are on sale at the Lifeboat shop, Old Boathouse Café, Caley Hall Hotel and Whitley Newsagents or by calling 07840375984. All proceeds from the event will go to Hunstanton lifeboat station to support the vital lifesaving role they play on the coast.

For more information call Jon Butler, lifeboat crew member, on 07840 375984 or Jim Kelly on 07530881903.

Have you met someone who inspired you? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk