TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving lifeboat crew volunteer from Somerset.

Members of the RNLI Weston Lifeboat Station say they will sorely miss their colleague Lester Solway.

In a Facebook post they say: "Lester joined the crew as a launch vehicle driver and shore crew member when the station was on Birnbeck Island.

"He brought great skill and professionalism to driving the launch vehicles and always made us laugh with his sense of humour.

"The station's flag is flying at half-mast out of respect for Lester.

"RIP Lester, thank you for your friendship and service."

The photo shows Lester with the BV launch vehicle and D class lifeboat at Knightstone.