BURNHAM ON CROUCH RNLI Lifeboat Station have appointed a new Operations Manager.

David Nicholls, a former senior member of the crew, was appointed as the new Lifeboats Operations Manager on June 14.

He will be taking over from Sir Richard Rycroft who is retiring from the role.

The official handover will take place on July 2 at Burnham RNLI’s 50th Anniversary Ball where a tribute will be paid to Sir Richard.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager is in charge of managing the launching of the boats and is in contact with the coastguard throughout the operation.

David has been volunteering with Burnham RNLI since 1981.

On his new role, David said: “It is an honour to take over from Richard. We have seen many changed over the past fifty years and I am sure there will be plenty more to come.

“I will be busy concentrating on keeping two boats ready for action 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“This is a busy stretch of water and the crew knows it well. My aim is to help make it a safe place to be.”

Departing Operations Manager, Sir Richard Rycroft, commented: “It has been a privilege to have worked with so many good people, as crew, management and fundraisers over the years.

“To have managed a station which has launched an average of over fifty times a year and saved some sixty lives in its history is a source of tremendous pride.”

Tickets for the RNLI’s 50th Anniversary Ball at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club are still available by emailing lifeboat.anniversary@gmail.com.