A LIFEBOAT capable of rescuing 25 people is now in service on the North-East coast.

Volunteers at Sunderland's RNLI Station have welcomed the arrival of an Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat.

The £125,000 vessel is larger, faster and better equipped than Sunderland's existing Atlantic 75.

Paul Nicholson, senior helmsman at Sunderland Lifeboat Station, said: "All our volunteer crew members are thrilled to be receiving this newly-developed class of lifeboat, which will enable us to carry out our life-saving work as safely and effectively as possible.

"The addition of radar and VHF direction-finding equipment will enable us to operate more effectively in reduced visibility, while the increased size gives room for a fourth crew member as well as a greater casualty-carrying capacity.

"As our existing lifeboat was not equipped with radar, it was essential to provide our crews with the necessary training and qualifications to allow them to operate the equipment on the new lifeboat effectively."

The boat will be named Wolseley after its sponsors and allocated the operational number B-817. Wolseley UK is a distributor of plumbing and heating products and a major supplier of building materials to the construction industry. The firm agreed to raise £125,000 and encouraged its staff and customers and suppliers to help support the RNLI.

Wolseley UK managing director Nigel Sibley said: "We are delighted to have been able to support such a worthy cause, and look forward to the new lifeboat going on station.

"Thanks are due to the generous support of our staff, customers and suppliers."