A 109-year-old - the last living infantryman from the First World War - has donated a £29,000 boat to the RNLI.

Harry Patch, one of the oldest people in the country, named the D class lifeboat The Doris and Harry, after himself and his late partner.

He christened her with a glug of champagne and a few words at a double naming ceremony, held at the RNLI Lifeboat College, Poole, on Friday.

The veteran, from Somerset, said: "'I'm feeling proud and overwhelmed - I didn't expect to see all these people here.

"Doris was always interested in the RNLI and I gave the boat in memory of her.

"It's my tribute to Doris."

He funded the D class lifeboat with proceeds from a book about his recollections of the Great War, written by friend and biographer Richard Van Emden.

The Doris and Harry was received alongside Tabbycat, a £135,000 Atlantic 85 lifeboat, funded by a legacy from supporter James Samson, of Nottingham.

The craft was formally named by Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth.

Both lifeboats will now go into the relief fleet, on standby for use at stations around the country if their lifeboats go out of service.

RNLI press officer Susanna Woods said: "They are a vital part of our fleet. Hopefully they will last for many years and save many lives."

Sarah Sleigh, the charity's personal donations manager, said: "We are extremely grateful to both Mr Patch and Mr Samson for their generosity.

"This joint naming ceremony is a fantastic way to recognise their contributions to the charity.

"Without exception, all donations are welcomed by the RNLI."