New Quay Coastguard Rescue Officer Claire Barnes has had the honour representing the Civil Services Contingent in the Coronation Procession of King Charles III.

The HM Coastguard contingent spent several days ahead of the Coronation to train before the team mustered at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Fareham for a full kit inspection.

They then joined up with other members of the Civil Services contingent in London for further training prior to the event.

Claire Barnes, Coastguard Rescue Officer with New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team in Wales, said: “I’m truly honoured at being selected to represent such a professional organisation.

"I have been very impressed by the training and opportunities to specialise available within the MCA, but this once in a lifetime opportunity, I could have never foreseen.

“I’m so very proud and excited at being involved in this tremendous event and feel that I’m not only representing my colleagues but also my small village in West Wales.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard New Quay said: "Team members are very proud that a member of New Quay Coastguard Team has been selected, we hope they thoroughly enjoy the experience."

Tivyside Advertiser: Welsh Contingent with the HM Coastguard at the Coronation Procession of King Charles IIIWelsh Contingent with the HM Coastguard at the Coronation Procession of King Charles III (Image: HM Coastguard New Quay)

Meanwhile Llansteffan Coastguard Rescue Officer Roger Howells said he won’t easily forget the moment he found out he had been selected, as he mirrors the steps taken by his own father at the late Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

“I could not believe my luck in being selected, I had just returned from assessing search dogs in Malta and the first e-mail I checked was to tell me the brilliant news,” he said.

“When it had all sunk in, it was then all thoughts were to prepare my uniform which I hope is up to the required standard.

"It is such an honour to take part in the Coronation as Prince Charles was my Colonel in Chief during my time in the Parachute Regiment and my father also took part in Queen Elizabeth first Coronation.”

Richard Brighton, Maritime Operations Officer at MRCC Holyhead said: “It is an immense honour and privilege to be selected to represent the MCA at King Charles' Coronation; one which gives me immense pride to wear the uniform of HM Coastguard at this historic event.”

Maritime Operations Officers Sarah King and Kenny Mackay, MRCC Milford Haven Team Leader Ieuan Williams and Senior Maritime Operations Officer Craig Masson were also selected to take part.

The coronation ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey after the largest ceremonial operation in 70 years with the procession from Buckingham Palace.