A NEW RNLI lifeboat in Swanage has officially been named in honour of a volunteer who passed away in a tragic accident.

The D class Inshore Lifeboat, D-884 Roy Norgrove, was named during a ceremony at Swanage Lifeboat Station on Saturday, March 23.

It was funded by a legacy from Doreen Norgrove to honour the voluntary work for the RNLI done by her late husband, Roy.

Roy had a long history of fundraising for the RNLI and was well known as the person who ran the jewellery appeal for the RNLI.

He was still in the role in 2007 when he passed away, receiving an MBE in 1995 for services to the community and particularly the RNLI in Farnham, Surrey.

The ceremony was opened by Dave Corben, chair of the Swanage Branch Management Group, with the lifeboat handed over on Mrs Norgrove’s behalf by Anthony Oliver MBE, former RNLI deputy head of fundraising and marketing.

The Lifeboat is prepared for launch. Picture: Ian Bell

Anthony, from Wimborne, retired from the RNLI at the end of 1996 after 31 years in various fundraising roles, knew both Roy and Doreen.

Rob Faricy, safety and independent assurance director, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI and handed it over to Rob Pullman, lifeboat operations manager at Swanage.

Rev Tony Higgins conducted the service of dedication and the lifeboat was named by Darren Tomes, senior helm of the inshore lifeboat.

Music at the ceremony was provided by the Ringwood Salvation Army Band and the Kelp Shanty Band entertained those present after the ceremony.