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The RNLB Christopher Pearce arrives at Holyhead. It is the second lifeboat in north Wales financed by bequests from two brothers.

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When the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry sank 16 years ago, the government and RNLI agreed a Severn class lifeboat should be at every major port

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The RNLB Kenneth Thelwall has been in service since 1998. It was launched 81 times and helped more than 75 people who were in danger

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Capable of a top speed 27 knots, the RNLB Christopher Pearce shows what it can do

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RNLI mechanic Eric Jones said the new lifeboat is a 'mean machine which can get to incident scenes much quicker.'

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The RNLB Christopher Pearce pulls alongside the RNLB Kenneth Thelwall. Although delighted with the new vessel some crew expressed their sadness at the departure of the old boat