An Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew member has been recognised for his 30 years of service to the charity.

Chris Sims, who joined Exmouth RNLI in August 1993, received a clasp to attach to the ribbon of his RNLI Long Service Medal to mark 10 more years' service in addition to the 20 years the medal represents.

The 56-year-old has served in numerous lifesaving roles in his career, including as a fully qualified inshore and all-weather lifeboat crew member and navigator, inshore lifeboat mechanic, qualified first-aider and casualty care operative.      

Chris said: "Crew families are so important and I'm very grateful to have had the support of mine over the whole period I have been a lifeboat volunteer.

"It's sometimes not all that easy when you elect to respond to an emergency in the middle of a family outing, so a very special thank you must go to them.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my RNLI volunteering and look forward to many more years of service."

Deputy Coxswain Roger Jackson, who presented Sims with the award, described him as "dependable" and a "very popular" member of the crew.