RNLI supporter and Port Isaac boy Rafael 'Rafa' Coates has received a certificate of competence from lifeboat operations manager Chris Bolton (pictured right), following a remarkable set of exam results.

Seven-year-old Rafa carried out an oral test applied to prospective volunteer lifeboat crew members when registering to join up, and managed to score 45 out of 50.

Senior RNLI HQ inspectors who were visiting the station at the time and observed Rafa's test were most impressed with the enthusiasm and level of knowledge shown by the youngster. All present felt such a great effort deserved a suitable reward.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.