He has held every role from mechanic to photographer at the lifeboat station in Wells-next-the-Sea, but one of Ray West's latest tasks took him in a completely different direction.

Mr West, who has volunteered at the RNLI station for the past 17 years, hand-crafted a solid oak step for Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, to use during the dedication and naming ceremony of the station's new headquarters.

The step has now been gifted to Prince Edward - who is the president of the RNLI - for use at visits to other lifeboat stations. 

Mr West said: "I feel very proud to be a member of a great team helping people in difficulties at and by the sea.

"They are a great bunch of lads and lassies, Wells lifeboat is like a family."

Mr West's roles at the station have included as a driver, launcher, mechanic and deputy launching authority.

He also takes photographs of service launches and makes the station's service boards and retirement plaques.

The station will be open to the public during the town's annual carnival on Wednesday, August 2, from 10am-8pm.