A NORTH-EAST lifeboat volunteer has been honoured for his tireless service.

Ian Readman, operations manager at Redcar lifeboat station, was presented with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) gold badge for his long and distinguished service.

HRH Princess Alexandra handed over the badge at the institution's annual awards presentation in London last week.

Mr Readman became deputy launching authority in 1983 and took on the role as station secretary two years later.

He has held this position since 1985, during which time he held the lifeboat station and crew together through the transition from offshore to inshore operation.

During his time in office, the Redcar lifeboats launched 806 times, helping 720 people and saving 172 lives.

Station spokesman Dave Cammish said: "Ian came to us in 1983 as a highly respected pilot on the River Tees and carried that respect forward to our lifeboat station.

"I have had the privilege of serving alongside Ian initially as a crew member, and for the last ten years as one of his deputies.

"He is one of those people with the gift of getting the best out of everyone without even raising his voice in the most difficult of situations.

"We are delighted that his long and distinguished service has been recognised."