WARM tributes have been paid to a former coxswain at Rhyl’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station following his death.

Bruce Herbert BEM is the longest-serving coxswain in the station’s history, serving from 1973 to 1992.

Past and present members of the Rhyl RNLI crew celebrated the life of a “gentleman” who “you could always rely on”.

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Rhyl RNLI said: “From 1973 to 1992, some 19 years, Bruce led the volunteer crew during a number of challenging service calls.

“(He was) known for his eye for detail, especially for clean brasses on the lifeboat, and his calm manner, even in dangerous conditions.

Retired coxswain, Peter Robinson, said: "Bruce oversaw the transition from the traditional wooden style lifeboat, the Har Lil, to the more modern fast carriage boat, Lil Cunningham, in 1992.

“He commanded respect both at the lifeboat station and in town. A true unflappable leader in every sense, he will be greatly missed."

Martin Jones, current RNLI Rhyl coxswain, added: "From a very small boy, growing up around the lifeboat station, Bruce was always the boss. I always looked up to and respected him.

“He guided me through my career with the RNLI, where I learnt from an amazing person and coxswain.

“I have taken so of his knowledge and methods on into my time as coxswain.

“He was a gentleman, and as coxswain, you could always rely on his steadfast professionalism and skills."