A lifeboat station has welcomed three new members in a baby boom.

Hunter, Arthur and Frankie, whose fathers are long-standing volunteers for Eastbourne RNLI, were all born within a month of each other.

The proud dads introduced their newborns to their colleagues ahead of their weekly training session.

The station was buzzing with energy as the volunteer life-savers wished the new babies and their families well.

But after a quick hello, a cuddle and cup of tea, the relatives left the crew to conduct their weekly training on the lifeboats.

Mick Wishman, a firefighter and father to Hunter, has been volunteering with the RNLI for the past 14 years.

He said he loves being on the water and was inspired to join from a young age after watching a rescue take place under the local pier.

Mick’s brother James also volunteers as the station’s mechanical coxswain.

Alex Emberley, first-time father to Arthur, has been part of the volunteer crew for 13 years and is a qualified helm of the station’s lifeboat.

Having started sailing at a young age, he was introduced to the RNLI through his local sailing club.

He described Eastbourne RNLI as a “really close-knit crew that have a good time together, but who, when needed, apply their training to do whatever is required time and time again”.

Brandon Bentley, dad to Frankie, has been a volunteer for seven years and said: “The RNLI has positively changed my life and given me a sense of purpose.”

An RNLI spokesman said: "Eastbourne lifeboat station has always had a great sense of family and many members have been volunteering for over half of their lives, with other family members following in their footsteps.

"The crew were pleasantly surprised to welcome three new 'recruits' to the lifeboat family, all born within a month of each other."

On March 4, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea, thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations.

Throughout its anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.