A lifeboat hero from Largs has stood down after 24 years of valued service to the community.

Largs RNLI bid farewell to crew member and launch authority, Roger Coulthard on Sunday .

Roger started his journey at Largs Lifeboat Station in August 2000, when he joined a scheduled training exercise to see if being a volunteer at the lifeboat station was something he would enjoy.

During this training session he took part in an acquaintance trip onboard the station’s Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat, Peggy Keith Learmond, and talked to the crew and station management.

Following this session Roger thought he ‘would give it a go’.

Roger started out as a trainee crew member and quickly progressed achieving competent crew status. He also passed out as one of the station’s launch vehicle drivers and became a confident casualty carer.

After 10 years as a member of the boat crew, Roger moved into a shore-based role, as one of the station's launch authorities.

However, he quickly realised how much he missed being on the lifeboat and returned to his boat crew role while maintaining his other shore-based roles and responsibilities.

During his 24 years at the station, Roger has launched on service countless times and has played an integral role during several serious call outs.

Roger’s commitment to the RNLI came alongside a career as an IT professional and raising his family. This commitment was recognised in 2020 when Roger was presented with a 20 year long service medal.

John Griffiths, Largs RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘On behalf of all the volunteers at Largs Lifeboat Station, I would like to say a huge thank you to Roger for his many years of hard work and dedication to the RNLI.

"This thanks is also extended to Roger’s family and friends who have supported him during his dedicated service at Largs RNLI.

'We couldn’t save lives at sea without the incredible commitment of volunteers like Roger. We wish him well for everything the future holds.’