RNLI Somerset lifeboat launched with jug of cider

The new lifeboat replaces the previous D-Class model "Puffin", which has been used by the town's RNLI crew for the last 10 years

A new RNLI lifeboat has been launched with a jug of cider, following an official naming ceremony.

Nearly £50,000 was raised by crew members and volunteers in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset to buy the new D-Class vessel.

It replaces the previous D-Class model "Puffin", which has been used by the town's RNLI crew for the last 10 years.

The new boat has been named Burnham Reach, after a competition was held to decide the boat's name.

Matt Davis, the lifeboat's station's operations manager, said the new lifeboat had been "raised in the town" and was "for the town".

"Because of the location of where we are in Somerset we decided to pour some cider over the bow rather then champagne," he said.

"But people can rest assured that if anybody is to be saved or rescued within the Burnham area it will either be this boat or our Atlantic 75 that will come and get you."

The RNLI lifeboat station in Burnham has been operational since 2003, covering the coast from Watchet to Brean Down.