A LONG distance swimmer has become the newest volunteer member of a sea-going lifeboat crew.

Giles Bristow, 46, has joined the ranks of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat team after completing his training.

Mr Bristow moved to the area from West London with his wife and twin daughters to be closer to the sea. He works as director of programmes for a charity promoting climate solutions.

Mr Bristow, who swims distances of up to 10 kilometres and takes advantage of the waters off Lyme Regis most mornings, said: “I have long wanted to join a lifeboat crew and can’t believe my luck finding a vacancy in Lyme after moving from London.

“I am delighted to join the RNLI where the values are in line with my own, that we save all lives at sea without discrimination or judgement.”

Mr Bristow, who was born in Africa, was an environmental lawyer in the City for ten years before joining the Ashden charity, part of the Sainsbury Charitable Trust.

He moved to Uplyme with wife Holly and twin daughters Eden and Jocelyn, 9, in April.