An independent lifeboat station has welcomed a new coxswain and kickstarted a campaign to raise £35,000 for a new boat.

Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service, which has a dual role covering the coastline and waterways of the Broads, needs £25,000 a year to keep its two lifesaving vessels afloat.

New coxswain Daniel Hurd is hoping fundraising events throughout the year will not only keep the station going, but raise enough cash to replace the Broads rescue boat and vehicle.

Mr Hurd has been on the crew for about 10 years and was voted into his new role last week.

Originally from London, his family moved to Norfolk when he was a youngster and, while he didn't know much about the sea, he was soon at home on Norfolk waters and boating on the Broads.

The former Flegg High School pupil, who works as a track welder for Network Rail, said becoming coxswain was a 'really special moment'.

As well as a full-time job and volunteering as a lifeboatman, Mr Hurd and his partner, Amanda Goffin, recently welcomed a daughter, seven-week-old baby girl Lucie.

'Hopefully she'll be proud of me when she's a little bit older,' said Mr Hurd, 32.

Previously second coxswain, Mr Hurd is also the station's engineer.

'I've been overseeing the maintenance for about two years, making sure everything's in working order. The crew do get involved but my role as engineer is to double check.

'It involves a lot of changing wheels and checking bearings.'

Although he wasn't able to pinpoint what made him join the lifeboat crew, Mr Hurd fell in love with it as soon as he had and said he 'didn't look back'.

'I'd like to thank Ross Hewitt, our previous coxswain, who has done a brilliant job over the past few years,' he added.

For more information about fundraising for the station, visit the Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service page on Facebook.

Do you have a story about Norfolk's lifeboats? Email lauren.rogers@archant.co.uk