BOSCOMBE lifeguards will welcome their brand new £25,000 rescue boat this Sunday.

Boscombe Zulu will replace the existing Royal Life Saving Society boat, which after 14 years of service requires considerable repair work to be done.

At 11am it will be blessed and launched by Rev Jenny Furber on the east side of Boscombe Pier.

It has been funded with the help of a £12,000 grant from the Talbot Village Trust, as well as a legacy from Susie Williams – made three years ago – and general fundraising activities.

Janet Taylor, Boscombe Lifeguards’ secretary, said: “We’re very grateful to everyone who supported our fundraising campaign and particularly to the trust for coming to our rescue.”

RLSS Boscombe Lifeguards was established 22 years ago by a group of volunteer Studland lifeguards.

The club provides training in water-based survival and lifesaving skills for people aged nine upwards.