LIFEBOAT fans were given the rare opportunity to see four different types of boats in action during an annual meet-up between Tendring’s RNLI teams.

Dedicated crews from the life-saving organisation’s Harwich, Clacton and Walton and Frinton stations all gathered near Walton Pier on Sunday.

As excited fans watched on, the event saw four state-of-the-art boats given a public run-out, including the Severn, Tamar, Atlantic 85, and D-Class.

Commenting on the recent crew meet up, Harwich RNLI lifeboat press officer Daniel Sime said: “It was great for our crew to meet up with colleagues from our neighbouring stations down the coast.

“When we launch on service throughout the year, some service calls require the stations to work together.

“Some incidents can be particularly challenging, and while training for all RNLI lifeboat crew members is standardised, having the face-to-face familiarity with colleagues from neighbouring stations is an added advantage.

“The meet up itself is a rare opportunity for our family, friends, supporters and the wider general public to see the lifeboats together that cover our coastline and it’s always great to see the turn-out.”