TWO members of the Bude RNLI have received special awards in recognition of their work in providing a crucial service to local people.

During the Bude Lifeboat Weekend, between Saturday, August 24, and Monday, August 26, an RNLI award evening was held in the RNLI marquee on the Sunday, giving recognition to two deserving members, Chris Bale and Christopher Kinch.

The awards were presented by the chairman and council of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to recognise their dedicated service to Bude guild, shop and station.

Rob Bale, from Bude RNLI, said: “The awards were really good, but I think it was a bit of a shock to the two recipients.

“Due to health reasons, Christopher Kinch is moving back up country to where he comes from, having done ten years beforehand in helping the station, so the award was just a big thank you to him for all he’s done.

“For father [Chris Bale], it was more of a long service award for all the work he’s put into Lifeboat Weekend and the Bude RNLI for 40 years.

“It was quite a special evening, they were both quite choked up about it.”

The awards took place alongside a choir concert from Mevagissey Male Voice Choir, which Chris took part in as he is from Mevagissey — making another special moment.

Rob continued: “We had an audience of around 300 people in, which was great.

“Thank you to the public for supporting Bude Lifeboat Weekend as ever, and on behalf of the RNLI to the two who received their awards for everything they have done.”