LIFEBOAT volunteers and supporters celebrated two special events in Poole at the weekend - the opening of the new floating boathouse and the naming of the RNLI's latest vessel.

Poole Lifeboat rector Reverend Lucy Holt named the RNLB Gladys Maud Burton D-804 during a service of dedication on Saturday morning.

Although the D-class boat has been at Poole RNLI lifeboat station since early last year, her naming ceremony marks the moment she is officially handed to the RNLI.

Mrs Gladys Burton lived in Lilliput, Poole, and died in February 2010, aged 100.

She left a generous bequest to Poole lifeboat station, which has been used to fund the D class vessel that bears her name.

Meanwhile, the floating boathouse is now bolted into position by the town's lifting bridge, after taking shape at the old power station site since September 2017.

The RNLI decided to officially open their new base on the same day they named the Gladys Maud Burton.

Built as two bays, the lifeboats in the boathouse are lifted clear of the water by hydraulic cradles.

The facility also boasts a workshop and space to safely work, store equipment and clean the boats.

Volunteer lifeboat operations manager Paul Glatzel said: "It was a wonderful day blending the traditions of the naming and opening ceremonies with our new D-Class lifeboat and boathouse.

"We were blessed with the weather and it was great to see our volunteers, donors and supporters from far and wide able to share in a great experience.

"We are very proud to provide our service to the users of the harbour and beyond and feel privileged to do so with equipment and resources that enable our volunteers to provide the very best and quickest response to requests to launch."

Poole Mayor Cllr Sean Gabriel, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and Poole MP Sir Robert Syms attended the ceremony.

Poole Lifeboat volunteer Anne-Marie Clark said: "The architects were keen not to make the boathouse resemble the standard industrial shed and they angled the roof to provide views into the building, so when people walk over the bridge they will be able to catch a glimpse of the interior and see the boats or observe the crew at work.

"The lifeboats went fully operational at the new floating boathouse on Saturday, June 16, after all lifeboat crew had gone through rigorous familiarisation and training procedures, and emergency procedures of launch and recovery of the lifeboats."

This was all put into practice for real, when the Atlantic boat had its first 'shout' the following morning.

The new boathouse will provide shelter for the D-class and Atlantic 85 class that the RNLI operates out of Poole.

Anne-Marie said: "Before, when the boats were out in the open, it had to be said, it was a challenge to keep them ready for service.

"The new floating boathouse would not be possible without the generous kind donations from supporters."