SOME of Weymouth lifeboat's greatest supporters and servants have had their efforts recognised at a special awards event.

Presentations for everything from long service to fundraising were made at Weymouth Sailing Club in a ceremony following the Weymouth Lifeboat Station branch annual meeting.

Among those receiving a special award was Steve Hooper for 37 years fundraising service for the lifeboat.

His association with the branch began back in the early 1960s as a young Weymouth Sailing Club cadet.

He joined in when cadets took lifeboat collecting boxes around the town on Lifeboat Saturday under the control of the late Richard Crumbleholme, a club and lifeboat committee member for many years.

Steve left the area to work in London and Bristol but still kept very much in touch with the club and Weymouth lifeboat, taking up with the fundraising activities on his return to Weymouth.

He is still a very active fundraiser and supporter of the lifeboat and recalls serving under five coxswains including Alf Pavey, Vic Pitman, Derek Sargent, Bob Runyeard and Andrew Sargent as well as four honorary secretaries including Kenneth Mooring-Aldridge, Barney Morris, John Culley and Derek Sargent.

Steve said he was very pleased and honoured with his award but he owed it to a joint effort involving many harbourside friendships built up over the years.

He added: "It's not just me. David Coombes, Chris Olding, Colin Worth, Tony Beeson, Dr Ian Liddel and others have contributed very much of their time to my award."

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Joy Stanley attended the presentations and among others to receive recognition was Mick Reynolds who received a lifeboat service certificate for 30 years service with Weymouth lifeboat.

Mick, who served under five coxswains, retired this year.

Mrs Stanley also presented a 20-year service award to Weymouth lifeboat crew member and Echo compositor Graham Keates.

Lifeboat press officer Bill Macey said: "There were many awards on the night and they all show the depth of support and commitment which exists for Weymouth lifeboat. They are all richly deserved."