RNLI volunteers in the south-east will be ready at the drop of a paper hat throughout the festive season.

Over last year’s Christmas and New Year period RNLI lifeboats were launched a total of 106 times across the UK, including from Bembridge, Calshot, Littlehampton, Brig-hton, Newhaven, Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye Harbour.

Andrew Ashton, RNLI East Divisional Inspector, said: “This dedication to helping others is at the heart of the charity – even in difficult economic times our volunteers put others before themselves.”