MINEHEAD Lifeboat crew member Dr John Higgie has retired after 12 years of service with the RNLI due to the charity's compulsory age limit for inshore crews.

He was presented with a framed certificate of service on vellum during the lifeboat station's annual sea service.

Luckily, however, Dr Higgie's medical knowledge as a general practitioner will not be lost as he will be joining the station as honorary medical adviser.

Pictured is West Somerset District Council chairman Cllr Viv Brewer, who was the guest of honour at the sea service, with Dr Higgie.

Photo: Steve Guscott