CHILDREN enjoyed climbing aboard a lifeboat while learning the importance of the rescue boat and land search organisation at an open day.

Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) held its annual open day yesterday at the Lifeboat Station in Beachley.

Around 300 people took the opportunity to meet the crew, see the equipment and watch some of the boats in action on the river.

Some even submitted their application forms to volunteer with the organisation that is tasked by the coastguard, fire, police and ambulance services to provide search and rescue services 365 days of the year.

The event also marked 40 years of the Beachley station.

SARA member Haydn Lyall said: “Its been a successful day and its been great to have so many visitors to the event to show their support and for the multi-skilled crews to demonstrate the types of tasks that they undertake”.