School pupil Danielle Marr joins lifeboat rescue crew

A 17-year-old schoolgirl has been granted permission to leave class to save lives at sea after becoming an RNLI volunteer.

Danielle Marr, who is in her final year at The Waid Academy in Anstruther, Fife, has joined the RNLI crew in the town as a volunteer on local lifeboats.

In addition to her studies, Miss Marr will have to carry a pager and respond to emergency calls throughout the day.

She is following in the footsteps of her older brother Anthony.

Difficulties at sea

She said: "I am delighted to join the crew here at Anstruther.

"I've grown up watching my brother volunteer and the difference the RNLI make in our community and I want to be a part in that.

"I've been on a few exercises on both the D-class and all-weather lifeboat and have really enjoyed the experience and look forward to continuing my learning."

The teenager is not the first pupil at The Waid Academy to be granted permission to leave class and rescue those in difficulties at sea.

Station coxswain Michael Bruce joined the RNLI more than 24 years ago when he was at school, and he said he is "delighted" to welcome Miss Marr to the station.

He added: "Having just completed her first exercise afloat since being enrolled, Danielle's enthusiasm to learn and become a competent member of the crew was clear to see.

"My team are looking forward to training with Danielle and preparing her for the challenges that will undoubtedly lie ahead.

"On behalf of the RNLI I would like to thank the Waid Academy for their supportive approach to pupils volunteering in the community and the benefits that come from doing so."