A NEW lifeboat slides into the Solent at Gosport on Saturday - but she's not being launched quietly.

A full complement of VIPs, including civic leaders, will be on hand to watch the 5.8 metre ribcraft being dedicated for Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, at the Boathouse, Stokes Bay.

The boat is an addition to the service's bigger craft and will be primarily used by diving teams. She is part of a £70,000 grant that also includes a trailer and Land Rover.

But she is also capable of being used as a lifeboat and although will patrol the Solent mainly, can operate on the far side of the Isle of Wight.

The addition to the rescue service has brought delight to personnel.

Chairman John Lee said: "The addition of the trailer and the Land Rover means that the vessel can be used at different locations, if need be.

"The trailer is particularly important as it is specially treated to coun-teract the damage of salt water and therefore can be lowered into the sea.

"Normally, the bearings of trailers and salt water don't mix and can go within five months.

"This has been our biggest problem, so this is good news.''

The dedication ceremony will be performed by Norah Hickman, of the E B Wrightson Charitable Trust, which gave the grant.

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