A new lifeboat for the south coast of England has sailed into service thanks to a major donation from a woman in memory of her parents.

The Severn class lifeboat took up its position in Weymouth, Dorset on Monday.

The �1.8m all-weather lifeboat - manned by Weymouth crew members - will operate alongside the Arun class lifeboat.

The boat was principally funded from a donation by Beryl Taylor, from Surrey, in memory of her parents.

As a result, the RNLI lifeboat has been given the name Ernest & Mabel.

The lifeboat will be welcomed as Weymouth was the second busiest station last year, said Sue Denny from the RNLI.

"Many boats have unusual names," Ms Denny said.

"If anyone pays half the cost they can choose the name themselves."