A celebration marked the 50th anniversary of inflatable Lifeboats and D Class vessels at Walmer.

The sit-down meal at Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club was attended by almost 90 people including Admiral, the Lord Boyce, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

As well as marking half a century of saving lives in the inflatables, the night was the chance for old and new RNLI volunteers to meet up, and boathouse manager Les Coe was awarded a statuette in recognition of 10 years in the role.

Volunteer crew member Colin Varrall, wriote and edited a special booklet, on the history of ILBs and D Classes at Walmer, and copies were handed out on the night.

They are now on sale for £2 at Walmer Lifeboat Station.

For the full story, see this week's Mercury.