'Future-proof' coastguard station for island

The new station puts volunteers in a better position to respond to call-outs, an officer said

A coastguard rescue team, which had the same base for 40 years, has moved into a new home.

The Needles Coastguard Team is now operating from its new station at Golden Hill Fort in the Freshwater area of the Isle of Wight.

Andrew Woodford, senior coastal operations officer, said the new base was "future-proof", and put them "in a much better place to respond to call-outs and undertake training activities".

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said an official opening ceremony for the new station would take place later this year.

The new site is modern and spacious, the MCA said

The MCA said the new base was spacious, modern and well-equipped for crews to prepare for missions.

It has a dedicated training room and washing and drying facilities for the team of 11 volunteers.

"This is great news for both the team and the island, as we are now in a much better place to respond to call-outs and undertake training activities," said Mr Woodford.

"A fit-for-purpose station is such an important part of coastguard training and response, so this is a brilliant addition to the service which will have clear benefits."

It follows 12 months of planning and three months of building, and cost more than £200,000.