A New Quay man has passed out as a helmsman for the RNLI.

On Thursday, May 2, 43-year-old Andy Campbell completed his training to become a helm of New Quay Lifeboat Station’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan.

Mr Campbell, who owns a local shop called The SUP Shack as well as being a Cardigan Bay Watersports Centre SUP instructor, described the process as gruelling but rewarding.

He said: "It’s been a tough few months, training and studying but it’s certainly worth it.

"It’s a massive team effort and I want to say thank you to all the crew for their help and dedication getting me through the training and the pass out.

"As anyone of a lifeboat crew will know, we cannot go to sea to train without a team on shore and on the water.

"You’ve all gone above and beyond."

Andy also extended his gratitude to his family for their support.

"Without their support I would not have been able to do this and help the RNLI save lives at sea," he added.

New Quay RNLI's lifeboat operations manager, Roger Couch, congratulated Mr Campbell on his achievement stating: "It’s a great achievement and Andy will be a great asset to the existing helms ensuring we can continue to save lives at sea."