Schoolboy friends Mike Beach, Brian Ashdown and Chris Bird saved hundreds of lives during more than 20 years of frontline action with Newhaven RNLI.

With 75 years as heroic lifesavers between them, the trio bowed out in spectacular fashion in their final exercise.

Aside from the serious rescues they have been involved in, the trio have got some great memories as part of the RNLI "family".

Mr Ashdown joined the team after he was rescued by the lifeboat in dense fog.

The commitment and bravery of those who rescued him inspired the father-of-three to spend 20 years doing just the same.

Let's hope there are many more just like him who value and respect the hard work and dedication of our lifesaving crews and are prepared to put in what they got out.

And to the schoolboy friends: Thanks - and enjoy your retirement.