Gold awards for RNLI stalwarts

Mike Tubb, lifeboats operations manager, and Captain Gerry Simmons, were awarded the RNLI's highest honour, the Gold Badge, at an awards ceremony in London.

Mike joined the RNLI Newhaven branch in 1987 as deputy launching authority, and later that year became station honorary secretary.

His title was changed to lifeboat operations manager in 2003.

The award recognised his dedication and commitment to the RNLI.

He said: 'It has been a great privilege to work for such a fine organisation as the RNLI and also to work with such a fantastic crew.'

Coxswain Ian Johns said all the crew were delighted at Mike's award.

He said: 'The selfless effort and sincerity that Mike offers us, the station and the RNLI is second to none.

'He has steered the RNLI through considerable change over the last 20 years and undoubtedly deserves this recognition.'

Gerry Simmons has been a deputy launching authority and a member of the branch committee since 1979.

He went to sea at 16 and on leaving the service in 1968 took the post of harbour pilot at Newhaven for 31 years before retiring.

Pat Johns, spokesman for the Newhaven RNLI, said: 'His experience in the Merchant Navy has been invaluable and he also richly deserves this award.

'As a keen yachtsman, his love, knowledge and understanding of the sea has been made available to the Newhaven Lifeboat Station and crew, and for this reason they are all delighted that he has received this award.'

The pair received their awards from the Duchess on Thursday last week.