THE head of a lifeboat station has stepped down after eight years of tireless commitment.

Martin Wade has been serving as the lifeboat operations manager at West Mersea Lifeboat Station since 2012.

The role includes authorising the launch of the lifeboat and every day running of the station.

A spokesman for the West Mersea Lifeboat Station said: “Martin has been operations manager at West Mersea since 2012 and during that time has led the operational side of the station with great pride, skill and dedication.

“He should have retired three years ago, but agreed to stay on until a replacement was found.

“Both he and his wife Anthea are absolute stalwarts of the station and of the community, and on behalf of all of us I take this opportunity to thank them both for everything they have done and will continue to do.”

The role of operations manager is being taken on by Rick Boreham.

Plans for a celebration to mark Mr Wade’s retirement have been put on hold until the end of the coronavirus outbreak.