A stalwart of Hartlepool's RNLI team is retiring - after spending 34 years helping the charity to save lives at sea.

Former farm worker Garry Waugh switched from ploughing fields to ploughing through the waves in 1990, volunteering on Crimdon's lifeboat on the East Durham coast station. 

When that station shut, Garry joined the crew at Hartlepool and later became the station mechanic looking after the all-weather and inshore lifeboats at the RNLI Ferry Road site.

Over the 34 years of his RNLI career, Garry has become the voice and face of Hartlepool RNLI, recognised in the community for his radio and TV interviews - as well as his lifesaving talent and passion for the RNLI. 

Garry said: "Going to work every day and knowing you could be part of the crew that saves a life is quite inspiring.

"There is the day-to-day maintenance to take care of at the station but you never know when the pager is going to go off and at the drop of a hat you are heading out to sea to do your bit.

"I've made many good friends over the years from lifeboat stations and RNLI staff around the country and hope to keep in touch.

"Visits to Buckingham Palace garden parties and meeting one or two members of the royal family over the years has been amazing but there have been times when we have rescued people who are in trouble and when you talk about job satisfaction there can be nothing better.

"Sadly there are times when the outcome of a job at sea is not good but we have to move on and be prepared for the next job but there are moments that stick with you forever but the good times overshadow the sad times that do occur.

On these occasions, the support from fellow crewmembers really does help you through the sad times.

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"It's encouraging to see young crewmembers starting their journey with the charity and the support and training that the RNLI provide is amazing."

On his retirement plans, Garry said: "Obviously it will be strange not having the pager for shouts but I'm really looking forward to spending more time with my wife Heather who has a long list of jobs around the house to sort and catching up with family and friends but I will always keep in touch with my second family at the boathouse."

Hartlepool RNLI coxswain Robbie Maiden said: "It is sad to see Garry leave as he is a great friend of mine and a pleasure to go to sea with. He has done an amazing job in his various roles at the lifeboat station over the years and I am sure he will enjoy his retirement. I have reminded him he will always be made welcome at the station."