RNLI game wins over Cullercoats volunteer's grandson

Luke, with his sister Izzy, was signed up to the RNLI's children's club on the day of his birth

The grandson of an RNLI volunteer has given the thumbs up to a new children's sea safety game launched as the charity celebrates its 200th birthday.

On the day the charity clocks up two centuries, Luke Mather, the grandson of Cullercoats RNLI volunteer Kay Heslop, turns eight.

Luke trialled the digital game Storm Force Rescue ahead of it going live.

It aims to raise water safety awareness and Luke said he would download it when it goes live on 4 March.

'Rescue missions'

Luke is a member of the RNLI children's club Storm Force which teaches children about lifeguards, lifeboats and sea safety.

He said he hoped to one day be a volunteer and drive the tractor which launches lifeboats to sea.

"I think it will be good for other people to learn about staying safe at the seaside, maybe if they're coming here on holiday," Luke said of the game.

"I tested the game for the RNLI and I liked how I could choose a character that looked like me to complete rescue missions as a lifeguard.

"I will definitely be downloading it on my birthday."

It is hoped the game for under 11s will teach children about the dangers of water

Mum Kayleigh said Luke's granny enrolled him in the club on the day of his birth when she realised it was the same day as the charity's anniversary.

"Along with his sister, Izzy, he receives a magazine every few months and a badge for each year of membership," she said.

"The Storm Force Rescue game is a great way to introduce them to the hazards of the water, such as rip currents, using a technology-based platform that children are more familiar with nowadays.'

Storm Force Rescue, aimed at the under 11s, goes live for download from app stores on phones or tablets on 4 March.