TWO lifeboat stalwarts with nearly 80 years’ voluntary service between them have had their loyalty and dedication recognised. Specially commissioned prints of a watercolour by artist Andy Dunbar were presented to Bob Butler and Colin Mckee by the crew of Eastbourne lifeboats to thank them for their lifetime contribution to the station spanning the decades.

Both men have now stepped down from active service.

Canon Bob dedicated every new lifeboat that has come on station in the past 42 years in his role as honorary lifeboat chaplain. Dr Mckee stepped down as lifeboat medical advisor last year after 37 years but remains chairman of the lifeboat management group.