The community came out to show its appreciation for a town’s lifeboat crew and pledge support for the future.
The lifeboat is an integral part of Wells and a week of activities is being held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the town's RNLI lifeboat station.
Hundreds of people attended a day of celebration on Saturday, July 13, when the station was presented with a commemorative vellum.
The Wells all-weather lifeboat, Doris Mann of Ampthill, and the inshore lifeboat, Peter Wilcox, later led a flotilla of lifeboats, including Lucy Lavers, which was one of the ships involved in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
Wells volunteer lifeboat press officer John Mitchell said: "It's great for the RNLI to get together with the community. It shows the appreciation they have for the work these volunteers do. They give up their time voluntarily and spend hours training to acquire the expertise that sets them apart. "Long may it continue."
Wells lifeboat coxswain Nicky King has been involved with the crew for 33 years.
He said: "It's part of the town and there's been a good turn-out all week. It has raised our profile and shown everyone that we are still here."
Among those recognised was Phil Eaglen, who will be 68 in August.
He received his 50-year service badge, and said: "To me, it's just another day. But it's an achievement in itself, and there are not many 50s badges given out. You should finish at 65, but my term has been extended and I work part-time now."
His son Darren and granddaughter Angel are also on the crew.
Peter Rainsford, Wells lifeboat chairman, said: "There's a great atmosphere and about 100 people were invited from far afield, all of them connected to the lifeboat.
"The week is about celebrating the whole community. We have achieved great things with this and I'm really delighted.
"Almost everyone in the town knows someone who has been involved with the lifeboat."
An exhibition showing a collection of paintings and photographs together with memorabilia runs at the Maltings, Staithe Street until Tuesday, July 16.
For more information, visit www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here