HMS Ark Royal made a special visit to the Dorset coast on Wednesday to help lifeboat crews with a spectacular training exercise Inshore lifeboats, plus an all-weather lifeboat, lined up alongside the giant aircraft carrier off Old Harry Rocks.

RNLI's national campaigns and events manager Andy Whyte then boarded the military vessel for a presentation of the funds raised by the ship's crew in support of the charity's Train One, Save Many campaign.

The captain of HMS Ark Royal, Capt Mike Mansergh RN, paid tribute to the work of the RNLI as the two institutions worked side-by-side yesterday.

He said: "HMS Ark Royal greatly values the close link between the RNLI and Royal Navy in the safety of life at sea.

"We welcomed the opportunity to train together with lifeboat crews, testing the boat handling skills of the brave RNLI coxswains, as we passed Poole Harbour on the ship's return from training in the North Sea."

The crew of the famous aircraft carrier took time out of their busy schedule to make the detour to Poole on their way to Portsmouth from Newcastle.

RNLI volunteer crews learned pacing techniques intended to keep a moving lifeboat at a safe distance from other moving craft.

On board the Ark Royal were more than 100 affiliates, including four RNLI volunteers who spent time meeting crew and learning about day-to-day operations on the ship.

The meeting is part of an ongoing commitment by the Ark Royal to support the RNLI campaign, which helps fund vital training for volunteer lifeboat crews.

Last summer six RNLI trainers spent four days at sea with the Ark Royal crew to exchange training ideas.

Mr Whyte said: "We were absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to carry out our training exercise alongside Ark Royal and feel very privileged that its crew continue to support the campaign.

"I'd especially like to thank the crew for their fundraising efforts and for taking the time to come and visit us in Poole. It's been a special and worthwhile exercise for our volunteer crews."

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