TEIGNMOUTH’S mayor and mayoress spent a blustery day with the crew of the local lifeboat.

Cllr Terry Falcão and Judy Saunders were guests at the lifeboat station on Sunday, during the crew’s regular training session.

They watched the launch and recovery of both the Atlantic 85 Two Annes lifeboat, and the smaller Arancia A-67 craft.

Pete Shillabeer, trainee helmsman, gave them a tour of the Two Annes, and answered questions.

Cllr Falcão said: ‘It was an eye-opening experience seeing the level of training that RNLI volunteers have to undergo to do this vital job on behalf of the community.

‘I was very impressed with the teamwork which owes much to the shore crew, as well as the depth of technical knowledge disclosed by all the crew members we met.

‘Their enthusiasm and selfless attitude towards going out in the most inhospitable weathers to ensure that when an emergency does occur they are as prepared as they can be to tackle it, deserves the community’s recognition and gratitude.

‘We want to thank the crew of the Teignmouth station for the experience and the welcome we received.’