
Hunstanton RNLI boathouse packed for emergency services carol service
There was a packed house at a Norfolk lifeboat station which hosted a special carol service for the emergency services.
It was attended by crew members, emergency services personnel, their families and supporters of the charity that saves lives at sea.
It began with a minute's silence to remember the eight crew members of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne, who perished on the night of 19 December, 1981, along with eight crew and family members aboard the cargo ship Union Star.
The lifeboat launched to try to rescue those aboard the Union Star, which was drifting in high winds and heavy seas after its engines failed off the south-east coast of Cornwall.
After prayers, there were carols including festive favourites Oh Come, All Ye Faithful, Away In A Manger and We Three Kings.
The evening ended with prayers for all those who go to the assistance of others, before crew members served sausage rolls, mince pies and refreshments.
Notes for editor
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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