RNLI welcomes youngest ever female coxswain

Becky Cannon's father and grandfather were both RNLI coxswains

A 24-year-old woman from Kent has become what is believed to be the RNLI's youngest ever female coxswain.

Becky Cannon follows in the footsteps of her father and grandfather in taking charge of the lifeboat out of Ramsgate.

She joined the volunteer crew at the age of 17 and became the coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat on 22 June.

Ms Cannon said the role "teaches you great skills, confidence, teamwork, courage and a sense of being part of something meaningful".

The vessel traffic services officer at Dover Harbour had to take a collision regulations exam and undertake a search scenario at sea with an assessor.

Ms Cannon, who the RNLI believes is its youngest ever female coxswain, credited her family for their inspiration and support, in particular her grandfather Ron Cannon.

Ron Cannon, who died in 2018, was an RNLI coxswain for 25 years

The late Ramsgate coxswain was awarded an MBE for his services to the RNLI in 2017 after 53 years with the charity.

"The only thing that tempers my happiness is the fact my grandfather isn't here to see me pass out as coxswain," said Ms Cannon.

Her father Ian is a current coxswain at Ramsgate and her uncle, Paul, is deputy coxswain.