RNLI Penarth has welcomed its first recruits since the beginning of the pandemic.

The new recruits add to the more than 40-strong team of volunteers at Penarth after the biggest recruitment drive since Covid first hit.

The new recruits are: Nicky Anderson, Georgina Ewer, Freddie Johnson, Tom Quinn and Jake Youde.

They have been in training since the end of last year, learning the required skills and knowledge needed to save lives and give aid at sea.

Ms Anderson said: "Being fairly new to Wales, and having never lived by the sea, I wanted to volunteer with RNLI Penarth to learn more about the water as well as meet like-minded people.

"Working in the volunteer sector of the ambulance service, I’m very privileged to train dedicated and committed responders who give their time to help others and wanted to do my bit to support my local community too.

"Everyone’s been so welcoming and friendly – and willing to, quite literally, show you the ropes!

"There’s lots to learn but the support is fantastic and it’s great to be part of the team."

Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager at Penarth Lifeboat Station, said: "It’s great to be able to welcome the new trainee crew to the station, and to see their enthusiasm and the progress they’re making with their training.

"Everyone at the station is looking forward to seeing them continue to progress, and we thank them for becoming RNLI volunteers."