It proved to be a family affair after a son achieved his goal to follow in his father's footprints.

Tom Crabbe, a 26-year-old electrician from Uplyme, completed his training to become a volunteer helm commanding the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.

The father of two passed the final test to become a helm during a day of theory and ninety minutes at sea under the close scrutiny of an RNLI assessor/trainer.

Tom was examined by Carl Beardmore, a coxswain with the RNLI at Falmouth.

At the end of the day's tests, Carl said: "Tom satisfied me that he is very safe, knowledgeable, and will make an excellent helm for the Lyme Regis lifeboat station."

Tom, a crew member for the Lyme Regis RNLI team for six years, is now the seventh helm at the Lyme Regis station, one of the most important and responsible roles.

As helm, Tom will command the lifeboat and is responsible for the welfare and safety of other crew members and the vessel itself.

Tom said: "I am absolutely delighted to have made the grade as a helm, and proud to follow my dad."

Tom's father Rob, retired from the lifeboat crew after 20 years of service, and was also a helm.

Lifeboat operations manager, Nick Marks, said: "I congratulate Tom. "His operational pass-out as a helm is testament to his dedication as one of our much-valued volunteers."

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea, with its volunteers on-hand to provide a 24-hour search and rescue service across the United Kingdom.

To find out more, visit rnli.org.uk