The coxswain of Tenby Lifeboat Alan Thomas (pictured) retired on Wednesday after serving as an RNLI volunteer for 44 years.

He joined as a volunteer on January 13, 1966, and was made coxswain in 1982.

During his time as coxswain, he commanded three lifeboats, Henry Comber Brown (Watson Class) 1982-1986, RFA Sir Galahad (Tyne Class) 1986- 2006 and Haydn Miller (Tamar Class) 2006-2010.

From November 1982-December 2009, the lifeboat had launched 557 times and during this time, 100 lives were saved. A further 321 persons have been landed. This alone is a great achievement.

In 1990, Alan was awarded the RNLI silver medal for a service that took place off Rhossili.

He was awarded an MBE by her Majesty The Queen in 2004.

Alan has been dedicated to saving lives off the South Pembrokeshire coast for over 40 years.

All at Tenby Lifeboat Station wish him well for the future.

The new coxswain until September will be Graham Waring, with Phillip John moving to 2nd coxswain.

In September, Phillip John will become coxswain, with the deputies to be announced at a later date.