A popular lifeboat coxswain has announced his retirement after working as a volunteer for more than four decades.

Wells RNLI Lifeboat coxswain, Allen Frary, has decided to step down from being coxswain after 42 years as a volunteer.

The announcement comes following a lifeboat meeting last Friday, February 23, for the crew and volunteers about plans for the new boathouse in Wells.

Mr Frary, who is also Wells Town Council chairman, has served as a member of the town’s lifeboat crew for 42 years and has been coxswain and mechanic for 21 years.

He has received numerous commendations, including one for the rescue of the Dutch sailing barge Albatross off Bob Hall’s Sands and the RNLI’s second highest, a velum award for rescuing a yacht caught on Wells Bar in heavy weather.

The crew and volunteers thanked him for his service and wished him all the best for a happy retirement.

Operations manager Chris Hardy said: “Nothing was ever too difficult for Allen. Through his time spent at sea, he can turn his hand to anything. It has been widely recognised within the RNLI, that how he maintained our Mersey class Lifeboat in such a pristine condition, set the ‘standard’ which was the model for other lifeboat stations to follow.

“He is an excellent seafarer, leader of men, a great ambassador for the institution and a natural public speaker. It has been a real privilege to work with him and I wish him every happiness in retirement.”

Chairman Peter Rainsford added: “In the various roles that I have undertaken at Wells Lifeboat my work has been made easier and more enjoyable by Allen’s guidance and support. He has set a gold standard for the coxswain/mechanic’s job and has earned great respect around the coast not only for himself but also for the RNLI Wells Lifeboat Station.”

Mr Frary will be standing down from the crew on the March 31.