Three lifeboat crew members have distinguished themselves for more than 20 years of sailing to the rescue.

With 75 years' experience between them, they are retiring from frontline action with the Newhaven RNLI.

Schoolboy friends Mike Beach, Brian Ashdown and Chris Bird bade farewell in spectacular fashion on Sunday at their final exercise off Newhaven.

They were winched aboard a Coastguard helicopter from their vessel, the Elizabeth and David Ackland.

All three were returned to the deck amid swirling seas before returning to the lifeboat station, where they shared memories over cups of tea.

It marked the end of a significant chapter for Newhaven RNLI and Mr Beach, Mr Ashdown and Mr Bird, who between them have saved hundreds of lives.

For father-of-three Mr Ashdown, 54, his association with the RNLI began when he was rescued by a lifeboat in dense fog.

He was so appreciative, he became more involved with the RNLI.

Mr Ashdown, the deputy second coxswain, said: "It has been a good family to be part of. The lads are fantastic and it's going to be strange not being involved."

There have also been moments of hilarity, such as when the crew was called out in the middle of a fancy-dress party, which they had attended in punk rocker outfits.

Coxswain and mechanic Mr Beach said: "God knows what the two divers who were being rescued thought when the men turned up dressed like that."

Mr Beach, from Newhaven, will be succeeded by Ian Johns, who becomes retained coxswain.

Mr Beach, who turned 55 on Sunday, admits having to return to "the real world" is going to be a shock, having served so long for the RNLI full-time.

He said: "I'm going to miss the RNLI, especially going out to sea."

Mr Bird, 55, who runs rental and repair firm Teleview in Bridge Street, Newhaven, will continue with the RNLI as one of the boat-launching crew.

He said one of his most memorable moments came the morning after the great hurricane of 1987.

He said: "We got a call at about 6am to a French boat battling winds exceeding 100mph. We got to the boat with seven people on board just as it was sinking."