THE rescue team which helps save lives in the waters surrounding the region have a brand new addition to their arsenal following a ceremony In Askam.

Members of the community to watch the blessing and naming of the new lifeboat for Duddon Inshore Rescue, the Anyon Arthur Kay.

The ceremony took place on Sunday, the same date and tide time that the first vessel for Duddon Inshore Rescue took to the waves in 1970.

Well supported

The team's chairman and station officer, Ian Standing, said: "It was very good and we had a very good turnout by members of the public. It was a very eventful day and we are very grateful to these people for turning up.

"Three of the crew from the first vessel here turned up too. They were saying how times had changed and how things had really progressed.

"It is always a fantastic support we get from the village and surrounding areas, and for them to come down was excellent."

The blessing and naming of the boat was undertaken by Reverend Allan Mitchell, with 11-year-old Bobby Lewney from Askam helping launch the boat with a bottle of Wilson's Sass.

The public were then treated to a demonstration of the abilities of both the boat and the rescue team with a "man overboard" exercise in the nearby waters.

A 'great privilege'

Mr Mitchell said: "It was the first time I have ever done this. I have been in this diocese for 37 years and it was a great pleasure and great privilege to be asked to conduct such a wonderful service.

"It is very special as it is actually linking the historical moment 46 years ago and the moment today.

"They (the rescue team) are a very valuable service. They are a very special crew and they are well supported. The people in the community know how valuable they are."