St Agnes RNLI has a new lifeboat operations manager as Nick Marsh has handed in his pager after 15 years of service.

Nick, who took on the role of volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager in February 2000, retired shortly after seeing the station's new D-class lifeboat going on service.

In the last 15 years Nick has seen a whole host of incredible rescues, most notable was the rescue of a girl and a man who had been washed into a cove in 2005 which saw helmsman Gavin Forehead awarded the silver medal for gallantry and crew members Rory Bushe and James Watkins receive the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum.

He said: "It’s been an honour to serve the community as lifeboat operations manager, and I’ve been privileged to work with so many people over the years. It’s been a very fulfilling and enjoyable experience. The RNLI has moved forward significantly in that time and the standards are now extremely high.’

Tom Mansell, RNLI divisional operations manager, said: "Nick has been a key part of St Agnes RNLI for over 15 years and has carried out the role with exceptional dedication and commitment. He has worked really hard to ensure that he leaves the station in a very strong position, we thank him and wish him every happiness in his retirement from the RNLI."

Bruce Baker has now taken over the role as lifeboat operations manager, having been a helm on the lifeboat and a member of the shore crew.

At the same time, new D-class lifeboat XKalibur has now arrived to replace Blue Peter IV which has come to the end of its operational life.

The new £41,000 lifeboat has been part funded by the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, with the remaining amount being raised in the community.

Chrissie Davies, treasurer of the fundraising committee, said: "When we were set us the challenge of raising £20,000 in 18 months towards our new D-class we all raised eyebrows, gulped and then set about thinking of how we were going to promote the appeal and what events we could possibly do in addition to our usual ones.

"Once the word was out it opened the doors to a flood of donations from locals, holiday makers, businesses, choirs, in memoriam donations, and individuals taking part in sponsored events. The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club was extremely generous in their support of the new boat appeal and Holyhead lifeboat station also kindly fund-raised on our behalf."

"Everybody at St Agnes lifeboat station would like to express our extreme gratitude to all those who made the journey with us on reaching our target and achieving our first 'non-Blue Peter' D-class lifeboat."

The lifeboat’s name has been chosen locally, with connections to Cornwall through the legend of King Arthur and to the Jaguar contribution.

A naming ceremony for the new lifeboat will take place in 2016.