Manx volunteer lifeboat crews have received their new lifejackets - thanks to a grant awarded by the Manx Lottery Trust.

RNLI voulnteers invited members of the Trust, as well as former Douglas Mayoress Mrs Julie McNicholl, who also supported the campaign, to Douglas lifeboat station to show their gratitude for supplying volunteer crews with the new lifesaving kit.

Volunteer crews on all five of the Island's RNLI stations have received and been trained in how to use the modern pieces of search and rescue equipment.

Marlene Hendy, Chairman, Manx Lottery Trust says: "We are thrilled, as delegated partner of the Big Lottery Fund UK, to provide funding for the introduvtion of the new style lifejacket to all RNLI stations in the Isle of Man. This is a unique opprtunity to provide vital protective clothing for the brave volunteers who man the lifeboats and help safeguard our mariners in all weathers".

Adele Fuller, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager said: "On behalf of the charity I would like to thank the Manx Lottery Trust for supporting the RNLI and supplying our volunteer lifeboat crews with a vital piece of lifesaving kit that will help them save lives at sea"