People in Wells will have the chance to farewell a vessel that has kept them safe for more than 30 years.

RNLI lifeboat volunteers and their families will gather on Wells Quay on Sunday (February 12) to pay tribute to the all-weather lifeboat Doris M Mann of Ampthill, which is being taken out of service after 32 years.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The retiring all-weather lifeboat Doris M Mann of Ampthill during the celebration event welcoming the new Duke of Edinburgh vessel into WellsThe retiring all-weather lifeboat Doris M Mann of Ampthill during the celebration event welcoming the new Duke of Edinburgh vessel into Wells (Image: Leanne McColm)

Known affectionately as Doris, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat is currently the oldest serving all-weather lifeboat in the RNLI fleet.

Her operational life started in July 1990, under coxswain Graham Walker.

Peter Rainsford, chair of Wells Lifeboat Management Group, said: “Naturally we are very sad to be saying farewell to Doris.

"She has served us proudly and she will be greatly missed.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Peter Rainsford, chair of Wells lifeboat management groupPeter Rainsford, chair of Wells lifeboat management group (Image: Archant)

“Our event on Sunday will provide the perfect opportunity to give her a proper and well-deserved send-off. We’d love people to join us for a sing-along with Blakeney Old Wild Rovers.

“All are welcome to come and pay their respects and wave goodbye as Doris performs her last duty in her home port of Wells before making ready to sail away.”

The boat has been called out on jobs 699 times, playing a part in saving 37 lives and aiding 303 people.

The vessel was funded by the legacy of Doris M Mann of Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

Doris' replacement, the Shannon class Duke of Edinburgh, arrived in October.

This state-of-the-art vessel carries the names of 15,000 people within the decals of its letters and numbers, RNLI13-46.

The special ‘goodbye and thank you’ event will take place from 10.30am, with the Blakeney Old Wild Rovers singing shanties until 11.30am.

Anyone wishing to attend should make their way on foot to the western end of the quay near the pontoons. There is no charge to attend, but normal car parking charges apply.