A GROUP of volunteers have been praised for their selfless actions and complete dedication to keeping their community safe.

The Ulverston Inshore Rescue Team have been nominated for a Heart of Ulverston Award.

Set up 14 years ago after the tragic drowning of a man and his son off Priory Point, Bardsea, the organisation has been nominated for Community Group of the Year.

Station officer, Bruce Chattaway said the nomination is a recognition of the effort they put in for the community.

He said: "Being nominated makes me feel that we are noticed by the people of Ulverston. We are proud that people have recognised us.

"It makes us very proud, it's not just me, it's a group effort."

The group is made up of 14 volunteers, two women and 12 men, aged between 21 and 56

To Mr Chattaway, they are an embodiment of the community of Ulverston.

He said: "We have former coastguard, ex-MOD and navy, and some work for BAE as well."

The team were set up to help cope with the treacherous waters of Morecambe Bay and the difficult terrain of the surrounding countryside.

The group have a range of vehicles and technology which means their emergency response time is now just four-and-a-half minutes.

Mr Chattaway said: "We have a brand-new 4x4 custom-built Hilux, a hovercraft and two quad bikes that can go literally anywhere.

"We train with the coastguard so that we are both singing from the same song sheet."

In light of their nomination, Mr Chattaway wanted to pay a heartfelt tribute to the man who made the Inshore Rescue a reality.

Former Ulverston mayor, Stan Lewis, served as the chairman of the UIR from its inception until his death six months ago.
Mr Lewis created the Inshore Rescue after being moved by the tragic deaths of Stewart Rushton and his nine-year-old son in 2002.

Speaking about his friend, Mr Chattaway said: "We couldn't have done it without him."

He is also grateful for the work of Patricia Prosser, the daughter of the late mayor, who serves as the group's secretary.

For Mr Chattaway and his team, working for the Inshore Rescue is not a job, but a passion.

He said: "Personally I love it, I can give back to the town I love. I'm proud to serve and I'll keep doing it as long as I can. It makes my grandkids proud of me.

"This nomination gives something back to the lads on the crew. It makes them feel like they have a purpose."

Click here to find out more about the Heart of Ulverston Awards.

Read about the loyal public servant who made the Inshore Rescue a reality.

Read about the Ulverston teacher who has worked for more than 20 years to help vulnerable children