The crew put their new inflatable inshore lifeboat, donated by a generous supporter, through its paces today as hundreds flocked to find out more about the work of its busy station.

The £50,000 D-797 Peter Wilcox was paid for with donations from the family and friends of the late Mr Wilcox, who came from Windsor, in Berkshire.

Wells lifeboat coxswain Allen Frary said: 'They approached the RNLI and said they'd like to buy a boat in Peter's memory. They were told that Wells was coming up for a new boat, so they chose Wells.'

Mr Frary said the new boat, which has a top speed of 25 knots, can operate up to six miles from the lifeboat station in winds of up to Force 5.

The inshore boat she replaces - the Jane Ann III - served the station for almost 10 years, during which she was launched more than 200 times.

Wells hosts its annual Lifeboat Service on Sunday, July 31 (6pm). Thousands are expected at the Quay, along with a flotilla of small boats in the harbour, to hear crew members read lessons.