A LIFEBOAT designer from Swanage who has been involved with the RNLI for almost two decades has received her MBE at Windsor Castle.

Engineer Holly Phillips, who was recognised in the Queen’s 2014 birthday honours list earlier this year, is the RNLI’s senior naval architect.

The 44-year-old, who travelled to Windsor with family and friends just two days after her own birthday, first volunteered as RNLI crew before working on the design and manufacture of the charity’s vessels.

She has been instrumental in the design of the Class E water-jet propelled lifeboats, based at London’s Tower RNLI station, the busiest lifeboat base in the country.

Ahead of the ceremony, Holly said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out the day I was due to receive the MBE was so close to my birthday. What a fantastic birthday present.

“It is a great honour to be recognised in this way, and a reflection of the team work that goes into the design and manufacture of RNLI lifeboats.”

Accompanying her to the castle was her mum, sister and two friends, who Holly says have been “instrumental in teaching me about boats and how to operate them safely.”

Holly was also volunteer RNLI crew at Poole lifeboat station, and is a lead member of her local gig rowing club at Swanage.

RNLI chief executive Paul Boissier said: “Holly works constantly for the safety and welfare of our volunteer crew members and to further our aim of saving lives at sea, yet she never thinks to push herself into the limelight for recognition or thanks. I am thrilled that she is being recognised with an MBE.”