Restored Mary Joicey lifeboat returns to Newbiggin

The Mary Joicey boat was retired in 1989

A lifeboat that helped to save 90 lives off the coast of Northumberland, has returned to its home port to become the centrepiece of a maritime museum.

The Mary Joicey was the last offshore lifeboat to be stationed at Newbiggin and was retired in 1989 after 23 years.

Now the Oakley class vessel has been restored after more than 20 years as a fundraising exhibit in Reading.

It will take pride of place at a new multimillion-pound museum being built in the village.

The new centre is expected to be completed later this year.

Newbiggin Heritage Partnership chairman Richard Martin said: "The return of Mary Joicey is a dream come true.

"Work on the maritime centre is ahead of schedule and there is no doubt it will become a very significant landmark on the North East coast.

"It is going to be a fantastic combination of a wonderful new building housing some of this area's fascinating heritage and at its heart will be the Mary Joicey."