Around 500 people have signed a petition to stop the Tamar coastguard rescue boat being permanently taken out of service.

The petition was set up after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced it was considering withdrawing the rescue boat, which is based in Torpoint, as well as the boat based in Hope Cove, Devon.

Opponents have accused the MCA of having already made the decision ahead of the 12-week consultation, which began a month ago, in an effort to cut costs.

David England, petition organiser and president of the Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club, said: 'As a local resident and yachtsman based in the Tamar valley for 48 years, I've had ample opportunity to observe the services provided by the coastguard and lifeboat services.'

More details on this story in this week's Cornish Times.