RNLI recruits, from left, Stuart Sprott, Sue Kent, Theresa Bell and Vicky Hope

Stuart Sprott, Vicky Hope, Theresa Bell, and Sue Kent are undergoing training to ensure they can save lives at sea as safely as possible.

Eddie Studholme, Silloth Lifeboat operations manager, said it was vital new volunteers are recruited regularly.

New volunteers are also taught boat handling, navigation and first aid skills as part of the training.

'Help others'

Sue Kent, 41, signed up following a stint as a shore helper at the lifeboat station.

She said: "As I became more interested in what was going on I realised there was no reason I couldn't be on the crew as well.

"Now I'm looking forward to starting my training and becoming a useful member of the lifeboat crew."

Vicky Hope, 34, a sales and marketing manager, used to watch the lifeboat when she was a child growing up in Silloth.

She said: "I was in awe of them all, their bravery and their willingness to give up their time to help others.

"When I moved back to Silloth from Milton Keynes four years ago I carried on walking down by the lifeboat station.

"I eventually decided to join because I realised that I could give something back to the community that I am so pleased to be living in and I really enjoy the training, being with the crew and working with them all."