The lifeboat was launched after a ceremony at the water side

Joan Bate of Wolverhampton left the RNLI the money in her will when she passed away four years ago.

The craft it is replacing was paid for by her brother Arthur, who used to accompany her on holidays to Conwy.

The new D class vessel, the Arthur Bate II, is equipped with a more powerful engine as well as the latest satellite navigation system.

It was a lovely surprise - I don't think the RNLI would survive without such legacies Keith Robinson

Life boat operations manager for Conwy, Keith Robinson, said it would improve safety for both the crew and those they rescue.

He said: "Miss Bate was a lovely lady, it was a real pleasure each time we met her.

"She often came to see us here in the station."

He explained the association began because the brother and sister liked to treat themselves to fresh fish on their visits to the town.

Keith Robinson said the donation came as a surprise

"They started to come to me to buy some fish, they were very partial to plaice and if she could not find me at my fish stall I would inevitably be up here at the lifeboat station.

"It just sort of snowballed from there and she got very interested in the station and so did her brother Arthur."

Money he donated paid for the Arthur Bate I which began service in 1995.

Mr Robinson said Miss Bate had given no indication she was going to leave money.

"It was a lovely surprise - I don't think the RNLI would survive without such legacies," he added.

"Our new lifeboat will help us reach casualties even more quickly than before, and save more lives."

Money left by Miss Bates also purchased an Atlantic lifeboat for Salcombe, South Devon, back in April.