A long-serving member of Peel RNLI has retired after 45 years with the lifesaving charity.

Allen Corlett has stepped down from his role as lifeboat operations manager at the Peel station, bringing to an end more than four decades of service to the station.

Allen joined the RNLI in December 1981, after initially attempting to become part of the lifeboat crew.

He said: ‘I actually failed the eyesight test to become lifeboat crew but was immediately asked to join the branch committee. I then became admin officer in April the following year.’

Over the course of his 45 years with Peel RNLI, Allen held a number of roles, including council member, admin officer, launch authority and, most recently, lifeboat operations manager.

In that role, he was responsible for supporting the operational readiness of the station and helping ensure its volunteer crew were prepared to respond when called upon.

‘Looking back over the last 45 years, it's been a real privilege to be part of Peel RNLI,’ Allen said.

‘I've had the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated and professional volunteers who are always willing to give up their time to help those in need.

‘I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in supporting the RNLI's lifesaving work and helping ensure the station was always ready to answer the call. I'd like to thank everyone I've worked with over the years, along with my family for their support throughout my volunteering journey.’

His time with the RNLI has also extended to his family, with his sons now volunteering at Peel RNLI.

Allen has now handed over the role of lifeboat operations manager to Paul Thompson.

A spokesperson for Peel RNLI added Allen had been a ‘constant, steady and trusted presence’ at the station and thanked him for his decades of service.

The station's crew wished him ‘the very best for the future’ following his retirement.