A long-serving RNLI volunteer has stepped down following nine years of dedication to the organisation.

Judith Collins held multiple positions at the Hastings RNLI lifeboat station, including lifeboat visits officer, deputy shop manager and fundraising volunteer. Her final day was August 17.

She is moving to East Anglia to be nearer to her family.

Paul Freathy, chair of the Hastings Lifeboat Management Group, stated that Judith had been a cornerstone of the lifeboat station for many years, managing several significant responsibilities simultaneously.

Her dedication was evident in the fact that she completed her last shift just hours before departing for her new residence in East Anglia.

After her final shift, Ms Collins received presents at a farewell event, among them a framed certificate of appreciation bearing the signature of RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes.

Mr Freathy commented that they valued tremendously everything she contributed to helping the RNLI preserve lives at sea, and that her absence would be deeply felt.

Ms Collins expressed that working alongside everyone at the station had been both enjoyable and an honour. She thoroughly valued her time at Hastings RNLI, would cherish missing the team, and being part of such an exceptional group of people.