BRITAIN'S first life-saving hovercraft is to begin work in Morecambe Bay next year.
Successful sea trials last year have convinced the RNLI that a hovercraft should be based in Morecambe, and a new site in the resort is being sought.
Tony Stankus, hovercraft operations manager for the RNLI, said: "Morecambe was chosen as the first likely location for an RNLI rescue hovercraft for a number of reasons, including its extensive mud and sand flats that are uncovered at low tide, plus areas of quicksand that can prove hazardous for the unwary.
"It was also considered appropriate for the first rescue hovercraft to be co-located with a lifeboat station so the lifeboat could provide additional support, if necessary." The rescue hovercraft will be an adapted version of the Griffon 450TD used in the trials, incorporating specialised rescue equipment identified during the trials.
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