HAMBLE Lifeboat has been granted £30,000 as part of a government scheme.

MP for Eastleigh, Mims Davis, welcomed the grant from the Department for Transport from its rescue boat grant fund.

The scheme – launched in 2014 – provides £5 million over five years to independent search and rescue teams working on inshore and inland waterways.

Mims Davies said: “Those of us either living in or regularly visiting Hamble recognise what a hub the village is for the sailing and maritime community, particularly during the summer months, and it’s really important that everyone is safe on the water, and that if anything goes wrong, help is at hand.

“Having visited Hamble Lifeboat over the summer I know just how seriously the team take that responsibility, and just what this cash, together with vital donations from local people and visitors to the area, will mean for them and the excellent service that they are able to provide in our area.”

Hamble Lifeboat was formed by residents in 1968, and celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. It has responded to thousands of incidents since its launch, saving countless lives.

Lifeboat operations manager for Hamble Lifeboat, Steve Emery, said: “Without the Department for Transport grant, it is unlikely that we would have been able to afford these items at any time in the near future.

“Being a charity, all donations from any source are gratefully received; without the generous support from the public, we would not be able to continue providing the service we have for the last 50 years.”

The crew is also launching a fundraising campaign in a bid to raise £500,000 by 2024 to buy a new boat.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/hamblelifeboat.