A MAN who has given 26 years of ‘tireless voluntary work’ to Looe’s Lifeboat Station has been recognised by the town’s Rotary Club.

David Haines first volunteered with Looe RNLI when the lifeboat station was re-established in June 1992.

Since then he has become lifeboat operations manager for the station, and Rotary president Hugh Pendray described him as ‘a great ambassador, both for the RNLI and for Looe’.

‘David is the manager of Looe’s fish market and has a first-hand knowledge of the fishing industry,’ said Hugh.

‘When not on the market, David can always be found on his boat Emma Louise, ferrying locals and visitors across the river or out into Looe Bay for a mackerel fishing trip.’

The community and vocational award was presented to David during the Rotary club’s presidents evening at the Hannafore Point Hotel.

David himself said that the praise had come as a surprise.

‘It is an unexpected honour to receive this award,’ he said. ‘I am proud to accept it on behalf of all my dedicated volunteer boat and shore crew back at Looe Lifeboat Station.’