A lifeboat volunteer who followed in his father's footsteps has been awarded for his 20 years of service.

Walmer helm James Evans was presented the RNLI medal by his father, Tony, who himself has given 44 years of service to the institution as a second coxswain, helm and now one of Walmer’s deputy launching authorities.

James joined the crew on his 17th birthday and spent a couple of years as a crew member. He went on to pass out as helm on the station’s D Class lifeboat in 2008 and on its Atlantic in 2010.

He said: "So much has changed since I joined – the boats, and equipment have evolved.

"The culture of crew has, however, remained the same.

"You don’t worry about turning out at 3am on a stormy night when you know you are going to sea with the best trained crews."

The presentation was made last Sunday on the crew's third only Sunday exercise session since February, as a result of the pandemic.

Another knock on effect of Covid-19 is that the charity is unable to hold planned fundraising activities.

The RNLI Walmer, Deal and District Fundraising Group has since set up a JustGiving page with all money raised going directly to the station.

Donations can be made here .

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