NEW Quay RNLI’s coxswain Daniel Potter and second coxswain Steve Hartley have received long service awards from the charity.

They were presented with their 30-year bar to their long service badges by Ceredigion MP Ben Lake.

Volunteers Dan and Steve have both given nearly 40 years’ service to New Quay Lifeboat Station and have been in their present roles as coxswain and second coxswain for 25 years, serving on the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge.

Mr Lake said: “I would like to congratulate them both. It is an honour to award these badges and we would all like to express our gratitude for their long-standing service, dedication and commitment. The job they do is invaluable to our coastal community and the length of service is outstanding; it is truly humbling.”

Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI Lifeboat operations manager added: “It is a remarkable achievement to reach 50 years as coxswains between them. Such commitment and dedication in volunteering is incredible. These awards illustrate the outstanding devotion to duty both have given in their service to New Quay Lifeboat Station.”

Dan Potter, who is also New Quay’s county councillor said: “I would like to thank the crew and the whole team at New Quay Lifeboat Station. They are like my family and I would like to thank them for the support they have given me through the years. It has been an honour to be Coxswain here.”

Steve congratulated Dan on his long service award and said: “I would also like to thank the crew and everyone involved with the lifeboat station. I feel privileged to have received this award. It certainly has been fun, challenging and very rewarding. I just can’t believe how long it has been.”

On returning to the Houses of Commons, Mr Lake tabled an Early Day Motion on Monday. February 4 to congratulate the long serving New Quay coxswains. The motion was sponsored by cross party group of MPs and reads;

“That this House recognises the essential service that has been provided continuously by the RNLI Lifeboats at New Quay Ceredigion for 155 years; notes the numerous lives saved at sea as a result of their work; commends the long and devoted service of many of its volunteers; thanks in particular coxswain Daniel Potter and second coxswain Steve Hartley for 36 and 37 years of continuous service respectively, 25 years as coxswains; congratulates them both on their long service awards; and wishes the New Quay RNLI and its volunteers continued success for the future.”