A 16-year-old boy has become one of the youngest trainee lifeboatmen in the country.

Joe Butchers, a carpenter apprentice, has volunteered for the Freshwater Lifeboat on the Isle of Wight.

The 6ft teenager has already begun his training for the independent life-saving organisation but has an extensive range of courses to undergo before he can become a full lifeboatman.

Joe said: "I decided to join because I felt I wanted to help save lives. It also gives me the chance to go out on the boats and learn good water skills.

"I'm not frightened because I'm always out at sea and I'm quite used to it.

"My family love and it and they are really proud of me."

His father, Jason, 39, a fireman, said: "Of course I have concerns about the risks but he's very safety-conscious and I don't think he would put himself in a situation which is really dangerous.

"He's also big for his age and he's a strong swimmer."

The Freshwater Lifeboat was set up in 1972 and is independent from the RNLI, which requires its lifeboatmen to be at least 17.

Last year, the Freshwater Lifeboat's 14-man crew responded to 29 emergency calls.

Coxswain Jon Bilton, 43, said: "He's been in and around the bay most of his life. We are all old coffin- dodgers here so it's good to get some fresh blood because they are the future for us."