Lifeboats get stamp of approval

The Appledore lifeboat is on the 46p stamp

Devon and Cornwall lifeboats are being featured on a new set of stamps.

It is part of a series celebrating the work of people involved in search and rescue at sea.

It is the first time the RNLI has been featured on a UK stamp for more than 20 years. The new issue has six scenes, called Mayday - Rescue at Sea.

The RNLI lifeboat at St Ives makes it onto the new 54p stamp while the Appledore lifeboat in Devon is featured on the 46p stamp.

Tenby in Wales decorates the 78p stamp and Barra in Scotland appears on the new 1st class stamp.

The RNLI lifeboat at St Ives appears on the new 54p stamp

Martin Cox, RNLI coxswain at Appledore, said he was delighted that the station's lifeboat, George Gibson, is featuring on the stamp.

"Last year we launched the George Gibson on 17 occasions to emergency call-outs, each time with a crew of volunteers.

"This stamp is a way of reminding people about the work our charity does, and the incredible dedication and bravery of the many volunteers who keep our lifeboats afloat."

The RNLI is also producing a First Day Cover for each of the charity's featured lifeboat stations, and a special stamp sheet featuring lifeboats and rescue craft from Sennen Cove, Bangor, Bournemouth, Longhope, Morecambe and Ramsgate.