Some of Penarth's lifesaving volunteers were celebrated for their decades of service with the RNLI.

The commemoration took place at Penarth Pier on March 4, as part of RNLI’s 200-year celebrations.

Volunteers who had served for more than 30 years were given special recognition and presented Long Service Awards.

Penarth Times: Andy Vie-Parminter and Rod Hill were each honoured for 30 years of serviceAndy Vie-Parminter and Rod Hill were each honoured for 30 years of service (Image: Penarth RNLI)

On the day, Penarth RNLI’s community gathered, along with Penarth town mayor Melissa Rabaiotti, community members, and emergency services that support the charity.

The attendees enjoyed chatting over nibbles and beverages while listening to tunes from the Stagecoach Penarth Choir.

Jason Dunlop, RNLI's lifeboat operations manager, acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the volunteers.

Penarth Times: Chris Youde was one of the volunteers honoured for 40 years of serviceChris Youde was one of the volunteers honoured for 40 years of service (Image: Penarth RNLI)

He stated: "In our 200-year history the RNLI has evolved in many ways, but one thing that has remained the same is the continuing dedication and effort of all of our volunteers."

In a warm show of appreciation for many years of dedication, volunteers received long-service awards for service totalling 270 years.

Andy Vye-Parminter and Rod Hill were recognised for three decades of service, while Karl Lawrence, Gareth Wigmore, Chris Youde and Mike Kingston were lauded for four decades of service.

James Lock was also mentioned for his astonishing five decades of service.

Also gaining recognition was Jason Dunlop, who had tried to stay away from the limelight.

Penarth Times: Gareth Wigmore was another of the volunteers honoured for 40 years serviceGareth Wigmore was another of the volunteers honoured for 40 years service (Image: Penarth RNLI)

The managers' sustained voluntary work was recognised with an ‘Excellence in Volunteering’ certificate signed by RNLI chief executive Mark Dowey.

Jason expressed his pride and gratitude, stating: "Receiving this award was a real honour and I’m proud to stand alongside the other recipients and the rest of the Penarth RNLI one crew, who all do a fantastic job in their volunteer roles and give up so much time to this unique charity.

"We have plans to continue the RNLI 200 celebrations throughout 2024, marking this special moment in history and hoping to inspire the next generation of lifesavers."