After around 40 years in the same station, a coastguard rescue team on the Isle of Wight has a new home.
Needles Coastguard Rescue Team is now operating from its new station at Golden Hill Fort in the Freshwater area, offering a spacious, modern and well-equipped space to prepare for search and rescue missions.
With a dedicated training room and washing and drying facilities, and located in the heart of the community, the team of 11 volunteers will be even more ready to respond to those in need.
Senior Coastal Operations Officer Andrew Woodford said:
This is great news for both the team and the island, as we are now in a much better place to respond to call outs and undertake training activities.
The station is future-proof so it will be there for officers for years to come, it looks the part, and has all the facilities we need in a much more suitable space.
An official opening ceremony for the new station will take place later this year.