Ulverston Inshore Rescue has received a new custom-built hovercraft that will greatly  enhance its rescue capabilities.

The Search and Rescue IH-3 t has been specifically designed for effective operation on the sands at Ulverston and across Morecambe Bay.

The vehicle was crafted by RLG-Innovations which manufacturse hovercraft for recreational, commercial and racing use.

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The rescue service recently obtained its official Declared Facility Agreement as an independent lifeboat station agreed by the Coastguard.

The addition to the fleet will now enable faster and more efficient responses to emergencies, improving the ability to assist those in need.

Sub officer Owen Collar said: "We'd been fundraising for a few years as our last hovercraft was no longer fit for purpose.

"The Search and Rescue IH-3 was ordered in January of this year and was built to requirements.

"Station officer Bruce Chattaway had experience with his own hovercraft and he really did his research and knew its capabilities. 

"It was designed by Rick Goosey who is very well-respected for his workmanship.

"It's a really impressive piece of kit, it has a twin engine and can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots on water and 40 knots on ice.

"Unlike most other hovercrafts, it can hover whilst being stationary as opposed to moving forward.

(Image: Ulverston Inshore Rescue) "This addition is a really great thing for Ulverston and  Morecambe Bay as it can operate over sand and water so it's ideal for rescues where people have been cut off by the tide.

"It has plenty of added safety equipment too such as a chart plotting radio which has capabilities to contact the Coast Guard on every channel.

"It passed the government's Hovercraft Code of Practice (CoP 24) today and we took it for a test run.

"It's absolutely amazing and performed exceptionally well and met all our expectations.

"Our team is excited to use this innovative craft to improve our search and rescue operations within the community."