Proud day for RNLI as new boat named

It was a family affair as Hartlepool RNLI's new £2.45m lifeboat was officially named at the weekend.

- Mark Payne

The new Shannon Class lifeboat has been funded from the estate of the late John Sharp, an mathematician and investor, who died in 2019.

It has been named in honour of Mr Sharp's ancestor, Dr John Sharp (1722-1792), who created what was probably the first lifeboat and coastguard station, and in recognition of his work at Bamburgh Castle.

The late John Sharp's brother, Anthony, named the lifeboat during a ceremony at Hartlepool Marina on Saturday in front of RNLI officials, invited guests and members of the public.