A former coxswain from Pembrokeshire has been rewarded for his dedication with an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Francis George, who retired in August, served at the Royal National Lifeboat Institute's (RNLI's) station in Fishguard for nearly 20 years.

He was a crew member and later became a coxswain, one of just two full-time job holders at the oldest station on the Welsh coast.

A spokesman at the station said: "We are all obviously delighted as a station, Francis has served it long and well over the years.

"He has been nominated for his excellent service to the RNLI," he added.

The spokesman said he will be contacting his former crew mate at his new home in Spain.

Francis George served for nearly 20 years

The spokesman said Mr George, who is married to wife June, said the couple had recently retired to Spain after living in the Victoria Avenue area of Fishguard.

"He retired in August on his 55th birthday because 55 is the maximum age of service," said the spokesman.

The station, which has the only prestigious Trent class lifeboat on the Welsh coast, was established in 1822 after a request by local people.

During its service, its crews have saved countless lives and Mr George has been on hundreds of missions.

400 missions

"He had been on 400 shouts over the years and had been out in some horrific weather," added the spokesman.

The RNLI station at Fishguard is staffed by two crews and has around 30 volunteers.

Mr George was also a harbour master and monitored sea traffic in Lower Fishguard and Goodwick.

The spokesman said a party and celebrations will follow in 2003 when Mr George comes back to his Welsh home for a visit.

The RNLI station was given its Trent lifeboat, the RNLI's newest design, after a BBC Blue Peter Appeal was held in 1994.

It is called Blue Peter VII and is harboured at the station along with the Arthur Bygraves lifeboat which is used for rescues close to shore.

The staff at the station at Fishguard has been awarded 28 RNLI medals for gallantry.