The UK's minister for shipping took time from his summer holiday in Wells to praise the work of the Wells lifeboat during a visit on Monday, calling the crew selfless individuals and noble.

Conservative MP John Hayes visited the Wells Lifeboat Station on Monday, July 31, accompanied by his wife and two sons and sat down with Coxswain Allen Frary and Chairman Peter Rainsford.

They discussed the station's work in saving lives, successes and failures, and the risks that the crew face with every launch.

When speaking of recruitment Mr Frary said that while it is a dangerous job the numbers are steady and it is a role often passed down through families within Wells.

Mr Rainsford asked the minister to pass on to his civil service colleagues their appreciation for the fundraising work they are doing with The Lifeboat Fund, an official charity of the Civil Service which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

The charity is working to raise £1.1m for the new lifeboat for Wells, which is over half of the total cost. To date nearly £1m has been raised including £400,000 of matched funding from the government.

Speaking of the positive reputation the RNLI has in the UK, the minister said: 'Who doesn't value, respect and like the RNLI'.

Mr Hayes and his family were later given a tour of the lifeboat station and shown the inshore and all-weather lifeboats.

After the meeting Mr Hayes said: 'I came here because I have always had knowledge of Wells and I have holidayed here for many years with my family. I thought as Minister of Transport it was right that I should come here and visit, I have always thought that it is important that members of the government have a sharp focus and understand things from on the ground and where they are happening.

'I think they do incredibly valuable work, born of selfless individuals who are willing to put themselves on the line for others, and what is more noble than that. I think that is also why they have the reputation they do. As Transport and Maritime Minister I think it is important that they know they have government support.'

Have you ever been rescued by the Wells lifeboat crew? Tell us your story by emailing steve.shaw@archant.co.uk.