A MAN who ran a Hampshire rescue group for 50 years and was made an MBE for services to the community is involved in a bitter battle with the lifesaving organisation he founded in 1961.

Philip Pearce-Smith, who retired last year, is suing the Venturers for £17,000 he claims he loaned the charity over the past two years.

But members are fighting the claim, saying they have been unable to find any documentary evidence to support their former chief executive’s demand.

The Lepe-based charity’s new boss, Martin Bennett, 49, of Dibden, told the Daily Echo: “I’ve seen no minutes that refer to directors’ loans.

“His claim will be contested without a shadow of a doubt. I’m meeting our legal team next week.”

Mr Bennett said Mr Pearce-Smith stepped down last November but had continued to involve himself in the organisation’s affairs.

“We wanted him to retire gracefully and with dignity, but he’s found it difficult to let go,” he said.

Mr Pearce-Smith, 78, of Long Lane, Holbury, was unavailable for comment.

Over the years the volunteer group has carried out thousands of rescues in and around the Solent.

It has given youngsters aged 12 and over training and a chance to develop their skills.