A KEY member of Dunbar’s lifeboat team has been rewarded for 20 years of saving lives at sea.

Mark Anderson joined the lifeboat crew, based at the town’s harbour, in 1998 after moving to the town from Grangemouth to work at Tarmac’s cement plant on the outskirts of Dunbar.

Since then, the 58-year-old has risen to the position of second coxswain and become a key part of the station.

Mark, who has no intention of calling it a day just yet, said: “When I joined the RNLI I never thought I’d see so much of the country and coastline and it gives me great pride to think of the shouts I’ve been on and the people I’ve been able to help.

“There have been some great times and some sad moments, which you have to cope with, but on the whole I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Although my family didn’t have a maritime background, I have always been into boats and, if I had my time again, I might well have taken a job that allowed me to go to sea.

“Being part of the lifeboat crew has given me a chance to do something for the community. You have to make sacrifices but it’s been worth it.”

Mark, who retired last year from being a dispatch clerk at the cement works, plans to continue with the role he loves – helping those in trouble – with the RNLI.

He described the voluntary position as “more than just a hobby” and said that he always looked forward to the weekly training exercises.

Mark, who lives near the harbour, said: “When I got transferred here I thought about joining the Coastguard.

“I wanted to do something and had always been keen on the sea and thought about joining the Coastguard.

“I met a member of the lifeboat crew and they said to come down and the rest is history.”

Since then, Mark has been involved in dozens of rescues on both the inshore lifeboat (ILB) and the all-weather lifeboat.

Gary Fairbairn, Dunbar coxswain, paid tribute to his colleague’s service.

He said: “It’s been an honour to serve with Mark for 20 years through thick and thin and he deserves this recognition.”

Mark was recently presented with his long-service badge at the station.

He joins fellow crew members Alistair Punton, second mechanic, deputy launching authority Denholm Horsburgh and Mr Fairbairn in reaching the milestone.