A CHARITY is appealing for help running a lifeboat station on the west Dorset coast.

The RNLI is hoping to sign up two more volunteers to help run the life-saving charity's lifeboat station in Lyme Regis.

The vacancies are for two deputy launching authorities (DLAs). The new recruits will be members of the Lyme Regis lifeboat station management team. The DLAs authorise the launch of the lifeboat when an emergency call comes in. The RNLI uses its own Call Out and Communications System (COACS).

The RNLI i s looking for male or female volunteers who live within ten minutes of Lyme Regis Harbour. The new recruits will undergo a training course at the charity's headquarters.

Lyme Regis lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks, said: "Ideally we need people with some maritime experience with an understanding of tides and coastal issues.

“But there’s plenty of training, including a week-long course at RNLI headquarters in Poole”

DLAs provide cover four days at a time on a rota. When a request to launch the lifeboat is received by a DLA, he or she is then in charge at the station.

Mr Marks added: “There’s a good team spirit at the station and plenty of social events.

"Obviously we are all volunteers, so instead of being paid we get a free pager for alerts and a free pair of yellow wellies.”

DLAs are regarded as members of the crew and are expected to attend training sessions which are held twice a month.

Anyone interested in joining the crew as a DLA should contact the station by emailing Lyme-Regis@rnli.org.uk or by calling 01297 442230 and leave a message or call Nick Marks on 07568 187582.

The RNLI has a total of 237 lifeboat stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland, including Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with the RNLI, visit rnli.org