Five new recruits have joined the RNLI Penarth team to train as volunteer crew members.

The recruits are the first group to train at the RNLI Penarth since the COVID-19 pandemic and they join more than 40 other volunteer crew at the station.

Volunteers have undergone training supported by other crew members at the lifeboat station, to gain the skills and knowledge needed to help people in an emergency.

Nicky Anderson, one of the new trainee crew members, said: "Being fairly new to Wales, and having never lived by the sea, I wanted to volunteer with RNLI Penarth to learn more about the water as well as meet like-minded people.

"Working in the volunteer sector of the ambulance service, I'm very privileged to train with dedicated and committed responders who give their time to help others and I wanted to do my bit to support my local community too.

"Everyone's been so welcoming and friendly, and willing to, quite literally, show you the ropes! There's a lot to learn but the support is fantastic and it's great to be part of the team."

Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Penarth, added: "It's great to be able to welcome the new trainee crew to the station and to see their enthusiasm and the progress they're making with their training.

"Everyone at the station is looking forward to seeing them continue to progress, and we thank them for becoming RNLI volunteers."

The RNLI Penarth will also be hosting a quiz evening on March 22 at 18:30. To book spaces, you can call 02920 708196.