People from across Wells gathered to say goodbye to the boat which has been saving lives on its coast for more than 30 years.

The event earlier this month was to farewell the Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, as she retired after more than 32 years of service with the RNLI.

Fakenham & Wells Times: People from across Wells gathered to say goodbye to Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, as she retired after more than 32 years of servicePeople from across Wells gathered to say goodbye to Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, as she retired after more than 32 years of service (Image: RNLI Mark Frary)

RNLI crew members both past and present gathered on the quayside along with around 500 members of the public.

Peter Rainsford, chair of Wells lifeboat management group, said it was a moving, but light-hearted celebration, with lots of stories of past rescues and events being shared.

Mr Rainsford said: "It was a very special occasion, and we are grateful to everyone who came to pay their respects to our much-loved lifeboat before she makes her way into retirement. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, in Wells QuaysideDoris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, in Wells Quayside (Image: RNLI Mark Frary)

“Memories were shared by many from the community, some remembering a school holiday to mark her naming, others recalling events, both hair-raising and humorous. 

“It was happy and sad; the sharing of memories by a community that supports the lifesaving work of its volunteer lifeboat crew.”

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

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

Fakenham & Wells Times: Crowds gathered on February 12 to cheer the Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboatCrowds gathered on February 12 to cheer the Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat (Image: RNLI Mark Frary)

The Blakeney Old Wild Rovers sang sea shanties as the crowd grew and Doris came up to the quay on the morning tide. 

Her horn was blared and the vessel was taken through some turns while the crowd cheered and waved.

Several of the station’s volunteer crew members were on board and waved back. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Crowds gathered on February 12 to cheer the Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboatCrowds gathered on February 12 to cheer the Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat (Image: RNLI Mark Frary)

Doris was then moored alongside the quay and the crew came ashore to mingle with the crowd and join the shanty-men on stage.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, in Wells QuaysideThe Doris M Mann of Ampthill, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, in Wells Quayside (Image: RNLI Mark Frary)