A Redcar woman has made history by becoming the first female member of the town's lifeboat crew.

There has been a lifeboat in Redcar since 1802, but crew members have always been men.

Mother-of-three Dee Basham has been with the crew for four months following a policy review in the Nineties that allowed women to join.

Dee, who is part of the family that runs B and G Bakers, hung around outside the lifeboat station for two weekends while she plucked up the courage to ask if she could join.

The initial reaction was surprise, but as Dee has proved herself to be a hard worker, she is welcome on board.

Dee had her first taste of action at the weekend when she took part in the rescue of a cabin cruiser with engine failure.

The Veronda, with a crew of four on board, ran into difficulties near Redcar. The crew had been seen waving for help by a passing boat and Redcar Coastwatch, who raised the alarm.

Dave Cammish, from Redcar Lifeboat Station, described Dee's participation as 'a defining moment in the station's history.'