A 91-year-old former coxswain joined around 600 people for the 57th Annual Lifeboat Service on Wells Quay, at the culmination of Carnival Week.
The service was instigated 57 years ago in 1960 by then coxswain David Cox and he has been to every service since to read the poem about the lifeboats called For Those In Peril.
The lifeboat chaplain, Rev Neil Woodruff, led the service and the address was given by Rev Alan Elkins, arch-deacon and current rector of Wells Parish Church, from on board the all-weather lifeboat Doris M Mann of Ampthill.
The fishermen's version of the 23rd Psalm was read by Coxswain Allen Frary, while crewmember Martyn Flitcroft and 2nd Coxswain Nicky King read the lessons. The closing prayers were given by David Saunders from The Friends.
The traditional seafarers' hymns were accompanied by the Fakenham Town Band and led by the Churches Together choir.
During the final hymn, Abide With Me, the inshore lifeboat went round to all the boats anchored in the harbour to take a collection while Guild members collected from those on the quay. As this was taking place the Mersey Class all-weather lifeboat did a circuit of the harbour sounding her siren before returning to the boathouse.
The total collection came to £1,505 which goes to lifeboat funds.
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