BROTHERS Mike and Nick Phillips have worked together on countless rescue missions aboard the St Davids RNLI lifeboat over the years.

But now the time has come for the youngest of the pair, Nick, to step out of his yellow wellies and start a new life in Cheshire.

The end of an era was marked in style by the RNLI, with a special presentation night for both brothers.

Nick was presented with a letter of appreciation from RNLI operations director, George Rawlinson, thanking him for his valuable contribution to saving lives at sea for 13 and a half years.

Nick joined as an inshore lifeboat crew member in 2001, and has held many other positions including mechanic, helmsman, emergency mechanic and all-weather crew member.

An award was also presented to Mike, who joined the RNLI in St Davids in 1995 as an all-weather lifeboat crew member. He took up the position of full-time mechanic on station in 1998. The award was in recognition of Mike’s long service to the lifesaving charity.

Volunteering with the RNLI is a family affair for the Phillips'. Dad Jim is also the station’s lifeboat press officer.

Jim said: “Seeing my boys serve side by side over the years has made me feel proud beyond belief. They have been involved in some memorable rescues over the years.

“As a parent you do naturally worry, but I know the RNLI has provided them with the very best training and equipment to bring them home safely. I’m so pleased they have been able to play their part in saving lives at sea."

Jim added: "I’m sure Nick will be a regular visitor to St Davids, but we all wish him the very best for the future.”