An RNLI volunteer has retired after more than four decades of service.
Phill Corsi, who began volunteering at just 17, was honoured on Friday, October 24.
A joint lifeboat exercise involving crews from Shoreham, Eastbourne and Newhaven took place to mark the occasion.
Roger Cohen, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager for Newhaven RNLI, said: "I have had the great pleasure of volunteering with Phill for 43 years and count him as a good friend.
"Phill embodies the RNLI values of selflessness, dependability, courage and trustworthiness every single day and although his retirement will be a great loss to the organisation, he has earned some time off for himself at long last."
Mr Corsi’s RNLI journey began in Newhaven, where he joined the crew of the David and Elizabeth Acland lifeboat.
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He later served as a special constable in Lewes before moving into the ambulance service, where he worked as a paramedic and service manager.
He eventually took on a full-time role with the RNLI as a fleet staff coxswain, supporting lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland.
He later became RNLI area operations manager for Sussex, supporting stations from Shoreham to Rye Harbour.
Nathan Jauns, Regional Operations Lead, said: "These days the term ‘legend’ is often overused. In Phill’s case, it’s absolutely justified.
"Phill has always been incredibly generous with his time, patiently encouraging new crew and colleagues and sharing his vast knowledge to help them save lives at sea.
"He will be sorely missed by his friends all around the charity."
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