Lifeboat crew 'honoured' to receive Freedom of Town

Mayor Sonia Barker met with current and past members of the lifeboat crew to confer the title

A lifeboat crew said they were "honoured" to receive a Freedom of the Town title.

Past, present and future members of Lowestoft's Lifeboat Crew in Suffolk have been recognised by the town council.

Sonia Barker, mayor of Lowestoft, said the service had "saved many lives and will continue to do so".

A Lifeboat Crew Operations team spokesperson said: "It is an honour to have received such a high accolade in recognition of the hard work our crews put in to keep our coastlines safe."

Lowestoft's lifeboat station was founded in 1801 and is one of the oldest in the UK.

It was founded 23 years before the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

"Ever since this presence has been in Lowestoft, a team of dedicated volunteers have faced all kinds of dangers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to make sure that everyone out at sea is safe," Ms Barker added.

A short ceremony was held on Sunday in Lowestoft where representatives of the current and past lifeboat crew met with Ms Barker to confer the title.

The title is the highest award that a town council can offer.

It is a symbolic award that dates back to medieval times but in today's world the recipient receives a ceremonial scroll and their name is listed at the town hall.