Six members of Duddon Inshore Rescue Team awarded King's medal

Charles III’s Coronation Medal is awarded to members of the civilian emergency services who have completed at least five years of service.

Most of the crew were present to celebrate (Image: Rebecca Smith) A celebratory event was held at the boathouse and was open to members of the public to come and look around.

The team in action (Image: Rebecca Smith) They have been called out to hundreds of incidents (Image: Rebecca Smith)

Ian Standing, Chris McNamee, Jon Lewney, Stu Fagan, Neil Hargreaves and Rebecca Smith were presented with their medals by Lawrence Ramsay from HM Coastguard.

Stu Fagan, Jon Lewney, Chris McNamee, Lawrence from HM Coastguard who presented the medals, Ian Standing, Neil Hargreaves and Rebecca Smith (Image: Rebecca Smith)Each recipient earned their medal through volunteer work, dedicating their own time to help those in danger, rather than completing their service through a paid job.

The team provide a search and rescue operation, offering assistance to anyone or anything in peril from the sea in the Duddon estuary and out towards Walney.

The medals are awarded for five years of service (Image: Rebecca Smith) People were able to look around the team's boathouse (Image: Rebecca Smith)

The Duddon estuary is tidal, with dangerous currents and treacherous sands, and has been the site of many fatal accidents and near miss incidents over the years.

Since it was established in 1969, Duddon Inshore Rescue has been involved in more than 400 incidents.

The event was well attended (Image: Rebecca Smith) They opened the boathouse to members of the public (Image: Rebecca Smith) The medals were presented by a representative from HM Coastguard (Image: Rebecca Smith)Rebecca Smith, the Duddon Inshore Rescue Secretary, said: “The presentation was well attended with Neil and Lawrence giving speeches both emphasising the importance of the work all crew do and thanking the local community for all their support.

“We're proud of the efforts of all our crew and appreciate the support of their families and the local community over the last 55 years. Without these we wouldn't be the thriving organisation that we are today

“It was a well-attended day and we'd like to express our thanks for the support from the community.”