A statuette has been presented to the former deputy harbour master of Sheerness Docks in recognition of his service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Retired master mariner Andy Willmore has been on the management committee for the Sheerness lifeboat station since 1996.

During this time he has held the position of deputy launching authority, and is responsible for deciding whether the lifeboat should be launched on request from the coastguard.

Both roles are voluntary.

The 62-year-old, of Chequers Road, Minster, also received a certificate signed by RNLI chief executive Paul Bossier.

It reads: “The council of the RNLI wish to record their sincere thanks to Andy Willmore of the Sheerness station branch by the award of the RNLI statuette in recognition of his valuable support of the lifeboat service.”

Sheerness lifeboat operations manager Colin Washford presented the items to Mr Willmore.

He said: “All involved with Sheerness lifeboat are delighted that Andy has received this award for his behind-the-scenes contribution to the station.”

Mr Willmore said: “I’m very pleased and very proud to have received the award, not that anyone does it for that, but it’s nice to be recognised.”