THE volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew at Swanage are due to welcome their new vessel this Friday, April 8.

The George Thomas Lacy will be the first Shannon Class lifeboat to be put into service in Dorset.

It has been named for the late Mr George Lacy, who left a legacy for the use of the RNLI in the county in his will.

The craft is expected to arrive at 12noon before volunteers demonstrate her capabilities.

She will then be moored up alongside the pier so members of the public can take a closer look.

RNLI mechanic Dave Turnbull will be at the helm at the new craft arrives, while current lifeboats Robert Charles Brown and Phyl & Jack lead the way.

A flotilla of local vessels will also take to the water to welcome the George Thomas Lacy's arrival.

Mr Turnbull said: "We're really getting to know the new lifeboat and there's a vast difference.

"Our Mersey class, which has served us so well, is based on design which is around 30 years old, so you can imagine how much the technology and design have moved on.

"That said, despite the amount of technology involved, in many respects the new lifeboat is simpler to work with, as well as being quicker, more comfortable, and above all, safer."

Mr Turnbull is due to take over as coxswain from Martin Steeden, who will officially stand down when the Shannon is declared operational later this month.

Once the lifeboat arrives in Swanage, the remainder of the crew will undergo 10 days of intensive station-based training.

Four volunteers have already attended the RNLI College in Poole for a waterjet boat handling course, which will give them the skills to operate the new lifeboat.

Waterjet boats handle differently to conventional propeller-driven vessels.

The current Mersey class lifeboat will remain in service throughout until the Shannon is declared an operational lifesaving asset.

The new craft will be operational from a mooring in the bay until the station build is complete at the end of the summer.