AN RNLI skipper has called it a day after countless rescue missions aboard Walton lifeboat.

Gary Edwards has retired after 35 years with the RNLI and more than a decade as coxswain of the Walton boat.

He joined up in 1980 as a shore helper, before joining the lifeboat crew the following year. In 2001, he became the Walton coxswain, taking charge of rescues.

“Back then, you had to know your way around a boat to start with because there was no training." he said.

Full story in today's Clacton, Frinton and Walton Gazette