A third generation volunteer has been recognised for his 20 years’ service to the island’s Coastguard.

Mark Leadley, 51, lives in Peel. His father Laurence and grandfather Brian have nearly 100 years of service between them.

Mark’s 20 years were recognised with a ceremony where he was presented with a medal and a gift by Kevin Scott, Isle of Man Coastguard rescue team manager.

Mark said he is ’extremely proud’ of the achievement and just glad to be able to give something back to the community.

Mark joined the Peel team in April 1998 and was promoted to section leader after 10 years, becoming the deputy station officer five years later.

Mark’s grandfather joined the Coastguard after leaving the Royal Navy at the end of the First World War.

He served in England and Ireland before being stationed at the Coastguard house at Knockaloe. Cementing the family’s links, Mark’s father was actually born in the Coastguard house and he eventually went on to serve for 42 years.

Mark explained: ’We used to rescue a lot of sheep off the headlands, so many so that my friends used to take the mick.

’But now with more people getting out cycling and walking, we have moved into search and rescue for people more. We also assist if the ambulance can’t get down to someone who may be stuck down a cliff or in land.’

Away from searching for people, he said the coastguard also have assisted with bomb disposal teams by taking pictures and engaging with teams in England to assess the situation while closing off the area.

Speaking of the highs and lows that come with volunteering Mark said: ’Obviously finding someone who is missing or just being able to help is great. On the other hand, there is the sadness that comes with finding a body.

’But as I tell the younger recruits, we may not be able to help that individual, but we can help their friends and family in finding and recovering their body.’

Looking to the future, Mark said his granddaughter pretends to rescue her teddy bears when they fall off the sofa, saying: ’We’ll make a coastguard out of her’.

Mark praised his and all families connected to the Coastguard saying their support made the volunteers’ work possible.