Angle RNLI celebrated its 150 years in style on Saturday, August 11 at a memorable open day, when its proud record of saving lives was recognised with the presentation of an anniversary vellum.

The framed vellum was presented by Rear Admiral Mark Kerr, a member of the RNLI Council, who was welcomed by Angle's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Julian Hammond.

Admiral Kerr spoke of the hundreds of call-outs and many lives saved by Angle lifeboats since the station was established in November 1868.

"You have done so much to deserve this accolade," he told Angle RNLI personnel.

Visitors, who were welcomed by Julian Hammond and Coxswain Lewis Creese, met crew members and enjoyed tours of the £1.2m boathouse and the £2.6m all weather state-of-the-art Tamar class lifeboat Mark Mason. They also viewed the £41,000 D class inshore lifeboat SuperG II.

There was lots of activities on offer for all the family.

Crew members operating a barbecue at the station entrance, while Linda Foulstone, the station treasurer, sold souvenirs and there was a brisk trade at the cake stall.

Refreshments were served by Daphne Bush and Sandra Thompson from the Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

Children were delighted to meet RNLI mascot, Stormy Stan, as he toured the station. Youngsters also enjoyed several competitions, including Pick Your Card Right, Find Barnaby Bear on Holiday and Spin the Arrow.

The open day culminated with the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Mark Mason, which led a parade of historic ex-RNLI lifeboats into Angle Bay, to the delight of those gathered at the nearby Old Point House Inn.

The former Angle Watson class lifeboat, Richard Vernon and Mary Garforth of Leeds, was followed by the Liverpool class lifeboat The Chieftain and the ex-St Davids Watson class lifeboat Joseph Soar.

The Richard Vernon and Mary Garforth of Leeds, which served at the station from 1957 to 1987, is now owned by Bevis Musk. Owner of the Portishead-based The Chieftain, which was stationed at RNLI Barmouth from 1949 to 1982, is Tony Gatt.

The last Watson class lifeboat to be built, in 1963, was the Joseph Soar, now owned at Coleraine in Northern Ireland by Bernard Condon. She served at St Davids from 1963 to 1985, before being transferred to Dunbar (1986-88) and then Shoreham Harbour (1988-90). She was sold in 1992 and renamed City of Bristol, but reverted to her original name Joseph Soar in 2000.

On Sunday (August 12), a short service was held at a marquee at the Old Point House Inn, when the blessing was given by the Rev Josh Maynard, Team Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of Monkton.