A VOLUNTEER has been recognised for nearly five decades of dedication to saving lives at sea.

Ann Brand was presented with a 40 Year Long Service Medal during Harwich RNLI’s Black Tie evening.

Ann has devoted 47 years of her life to the Ladies Guild and has also served as a manager of the Harwich RNLI shop for the past 20 years.

Gazette: Ann is the shop manager Ann is the shop manager

Her husband Ken was a volunteer crew member for more than 33 years, ten of which he spent as an assistant mechanic aboard the Harwich lifeboats.

But Little did Ann know that when they met in 1972, his passion for the charity would also become hers.

Gazette: Ann was awarded during Harwich RNLI’s Black Tie eveningAnn was awarded during Harwich RNLI’s Black Tie evening

Graeme Richardson, the area lifesaving manager, said: “Ann is a prime example why the RNLI made the right decision recently to extend the long service recognition medal to all volunteers, not just crew.

“Volunteers like Ann - of which there are over 23,000 - are the backbone of the charity, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure those volunteers going to sea have the best equipment and training to save lives.

Gazette: Ann's medalAnn's medal

“On behalf of the RNLI family I would like to thank Ann for her now 47 years of dedicated service to the charity as part of the Ladies Guild, and as shop manager for the past 20 years, ensuring the Harwich lifeboats were able to answer the call for help.”

If anyone would like to join Ann and her volunteer team running the Harwich RNLI shop, email Harwich@rnli.org.uk.