JUST 80 years after Watchet lifeboat station was closed down, a sleek red and blue lifesaving craft is back in the harbour - thanks to a local vintage boat enthusiast.

Experienced yachtsman Jonathan Pearman reckons the new arrival will be a massive fund-raiser for the RNLI as well as “enormous fun to use”.

Jonathan, who lives in Watchet, recently acquired the classic completely restored 69-year-old Liverpool class lifeboat The Elliott Gill and last week brought her down from Sharpness to her new home port with a crew of volunteers. He says that already the working lifesaver, with her exquisite mahogany cuddy and hand-crafted brass fittings, is proving a hit with visitors. “They can’t wait to take a closer look,” said Jonathan.

“She has that wow factor when people first set eyes on her. There is tremendous interest from people who love to see how classic working boats should look.”

The restoration was carried out over hundreds of hours by specialist marine craftsman, Craig Glastonbury at Saul Junction on the Gloucester canal.

Jonathan explained: “A lot of enthusiasts of these classic lifeboats have a cabin fitted but I wanted the boat in working trim.”

The vessel was found in a field by Mr Glassonbury 10 years ago and recently put back to original specification apart from the replacement of her original twin diesel engines with units twice as powerful. Now Jonathan intends to use the vessel for RNLI fund raising after consulting with experts from the Institution regarding the best way to exhibit her.

“Apart from fund raising I am looking forward to taking to sea with family and friends.” he added. “She handles beautifully and is very sea kindly.”

The vessel was built in 1953 and served for 16 years at Runswick Bay, Yorkshire with 39 launches and 24 lives saved.

Watchet lifeboat station, now the town’s library, was closed in 1942, and a new motorised boat was based in Minehead.