THE heroic actions of the volunteers who took part in the Morecambe Bay disaster have been recognised.

An official Letter of Thanks was awarded to volunteers at the resort's lifeboat station for their rescue efforts on February 5 and 6.

Lifeboat operations manager John Beaty and volunteers were presented with the framed letter at a ceremony on Friday.

In the letter, RNLI chairman Peter Nicholson says: "Although there are some services that are distressing there are, fortunately for the Institution's crews, very few lifeboat services of the magnitude of that faced by Morecambe.

"Despite the tragic circum-stances, the actions of Morecambe lifeboat station have been inspirational. On behalf of the Council I would like to thank all of you for your teamwork and dedication during such a long, distressing and demanding service."

Mr Beaty, 70, who retired shortly after the February incident, is commended for his 'initiative, leadership and dedication'.

And hovercraft commander Harry Roberts and Andy Butler, Dave Berry and Michael Wood are praised, along with Inshore Lifeboat helmsmen Michael Dixon, Steve Wilson, Carl Sadler, Paul Turner, Keith Donaldson and Philip Smedley.

Shore helpers recognised are Adrian Sweeney, David Smith, Clive Rawes, Steve Hemmingway, Michael Guy and John Beaty.

Letters of Appreciation were also issued to Morecambe, Arnside and Knott End Coastguard rescue teams.