After 35 years continuous service with the RNLI the coxswain of the Lizard Lifeboat is preparing to hand over the helm to someone new.

Andrew Putt will step down from his role at the end of this month, handing over to current station mechanic and deputy coxswain Dan Atkinson.

Andrew, who has been coxswain at The Lizard since 2010, has had an illustrious career with the RNLI that began back in 1985 when he became a volunteer crew member in his home town of Salcombe.

Andrew then went on to spend 24 years at Ilfracombe Lifeboat station, when he was appointed as full time mechanic in 1986, taking over as full time coxswain/mechanic from 1992 until his departure from Ilfracombe to The Lizard in 2010.

Andrew felt a new challenge was needed and he, along with his wife Bernice and daughter Jess, relocated to The Lizard when he was successfully appointed as coxswain of The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat, replacing former coxswain Phil Burgess - who himself was retiring after 34 years at the helm.

A village steeped in lifeboat history and heritage, in 2010 The Lizard not only welcomed Andrew and his family but also a brand new purpose built lifeboat station at Kilcobben Cove and the new Tamar class lifeboat, RNLB Rose.

Falmouth Packet:

Andrew Putt (left) will be taken over as coswain by Dan Atkinson (right). Photo: Geoff Squibb

Andrew said: “My move here to The Lizard in September 2010 coincided with the station just beginning to rise out of a concrete slab and I was able to watch its construction to become the magnificent building that we now have.

"And finally, the delivery of RNLB Rose to The Lizard in July 2011; a very proud moment for us all and one which will always be very special to me.”

Chairman of The Lizard Lifeboat, Dr Chris Cuff, said: “Andrew, with the support of his team, has expertly guided the station through the building of our magnificent new station and the commissioning of our new Tamar Class Lifeboat RNLB Rose.

"In his time at the helm he has supported new volunteers, planned and delivered fantastic training and always ensured RNLB Rose is ready to save lives at sea.

"As a station we thank Andrew and are immensely grateful for his enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism."

He went on to welcome new coxswain Dan, adding: "We wish him well in his new role and look forward to our station continuing to save lives at sea and being an integral part of our community."

As well as being full time coxswain and lifeboat training coordinator at The Lizard station, Andrew also found time to take part in a number of external activities, including being a founding member of the Full Time Lifeboat Crew Consultation Group and was more recently seconded to the regional improvement manager (south west) role for one year, providing maritime guidance support on the coast and valuable assistance to new volunteers - particularly essential to those with a non maritime background.

Falmouth Packet:

Retiring Lizard Lifeboat coxswain Andrew Putt. Photo: Geoff Squibb

Andrew has also been involved in a number of developments and lifeboat trials during his career - most notably the first fibre-reinforced compsite Mersey lifeboat - and was responsible for running the comparison trials with other lifeboat classes on the east coast.

He was also heavily involved in the early Shannon lifeboat development trials prior to his appointment at The Lizard.

Lizard Lifeboat operations manager Ned Nuzum said: “Besides the RNLI losing one of its best, we'll all miss his presence immensely at the station and the community at large.

"We all salute his immense contribution to life boating at The Lizard and we wish him every happiness and greater things to come following his well-earned retirement from the RNLI, after 35 years exemplary service."

Andrew said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have been the coxswain of The Lizard Lifeboat for nearly ten years. I thank all station personnel for your support, patience and understanding and wish Dan every success for the future.”

Andrew’s last day at The Lizard is on Friday, May 22, with everyone at the station wishing him a happy and well deserved retirement.