For quarter of a century they have been keeping people safe at sea and on the coast - and now the hard work of Bass Point coastwatch station has been recognised by royalty.

It was here, at The Lizard, that the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) was founded in 1994 following the death of two fishermen from Cadgwith.

Since then the charity, which is funded entirely by donations from the public and sponsorship from businesses, has evolved into more than 50 branches with 2,400 trained volunteers.

Falmouth Packet:

Princess Anne is welcomed to Bass Point lookout by station manager Peter Clements

They keep an watch on the coastline, reporting directly to the coastguard and other emergency services, with their motto being that they act as the "eyes along the coast."

To mark the 25th anniversary of the first station at Bass Point, volunteers received a visit from Princess Anne, who became the patron of NCI in August 2017.

A keen sailor herself, she appeared well informed about work of coastwatch and its role in saving lives.

Met by station manager Peter Clements and Lesley Suddes, chair of the NCI, the princess was shown the different equipment used by volunteers and met duty watch-keepers Richard Harding and Jane Marjoram.

Wearing navy trousers, blue Tweed jacket and black leather gloves to keep out the chilly April wind, the princess then watched a rescue demonstration by the Lizard Lifeboat out at sea.

Falmouth Packet:

The princess chats to members of Culdrose Military Wives Choir

She had earlier landed by helicopter on Lizard Argyle's football pitch, where she was greeted by a waiting crowd of cheering people from the village, including pupils of Landewednack School.

After visiting Bass Point she flew on to RNAS Culdrose for a reception with NCI representatives from different stations in Cornwall and cut a 25th anniversary cake made by Dawn Hardy of St Keverne-based Dawn's Edible Elegance. Also attending were Falmouth coastguard rescue centre manager James Instance and members of Lizard RNLI, with the Culdrose Military Wives Choir performing.

Falmouth Packet:

The princess awards a 20-year long-service award to Bass Point training manager Mick Lawrence

Falmouth Packet:

The princess presents a 25-year long-service award to the first ever watch-keeper Robbie Wilson

One of the main purposes of the reception was to present long service awards to a number of coastwatch volunteers, including Bass Point's own training manager Mick Lawrence who had completed 20 years and the NCI's very first watch-keeper Robbie Wilson, who was involved in setting up the institution.

Bass Point spokesperson Ross Durkin said: "It all went off absolute swimmingly and to her credit the princess was extremely well received."