A major review of search and rescue services around the Cumbrian and Lancashire coast starts on Friday.

Consultants have been appointed to carry out a risk assessment, after a local campaign to save the general purpose boat used by the Walney Coastguards.

The Walney boat, which covers an area from the Duddon Estuary round to the Cartmel Peninsular, is under threat.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is planning to introduce new rescue boats and intends to withdraw the Walney vessel, which does not meet requirements.

Independent report

There has been a strong campaign calling for the boat to be retained, because of the vital role it has played in helping to save lives on the treacherous south Cumbria coastline.

John Riding, of risk assessors Marico Marine, has promised he has no preconceptions about the boat's capabilities.

He said: "This will be decided on the facts and an understanding of what people in the area are saying."

He said his report would allow the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to make a proper decision on the future of the Walney boat.

All-purpose boat

Dennis Laird, the Deputy Station Officer at Walney Coastguard, said he is reassured by what he has heard.

He said: "I was very sceptical at the start, but I am now more convinced that our case will be heard on its merits."

It is proposed a boat covering the coast from southern Scotland to beyond Liverpool would replace the Walney boat.

The MCA points out there is an all-purpose RNLI lifeboat at Barrow, and another inshore lifeboat in the area.