RNLI volunteers have been granted the Freedom of the Vale of Glamorgan.
Crew members from the two lifeboat stations at Barry Dock and Penarth were joined by members of the Dinas Powys fundraising branch at a civic reception hosted by the Mayor of the Vale.
The Freedom of the Vale is the highest civic honour than can be awarded by Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Last Thursday's event at the Civic Offices in Barry recognised the "commitment and dedication" of local RNLI volunteers who serve their communities, whether it's by saving lives at sea or raising vital funds to keep the charity's lifeboats on call 24 hours a day.
Cllr Elliot Penn, Mayor of the Vale, said: "The RNLI is a charity that relies on the commitment and generosity of volunteers to help keep people safe along our country’s coastline."
"As the Vale is a coastal county, we benefit from that dedication more than most, with RNLI volunteers helping to keep people safe at our resorts, beaches and the waters further offshore."
"These courageous individuals carry out this work not for personal gain, but for the benefit and protection of others."
"The council wanted to recognise this contribution with a gesture that reflects our appreciation and admiration for the people who give up their time in this way."
"This award is made to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to our communities and is richly deserved. It serves to illustrate the power of volunteering, which in this case quite literally saves lives."
The RNLI said it greatly appreciated the council's support in not only recognising the volunteers' dedication but in ensuring they can continue their lifesaving work with the backing of the wider community.
Laurie Pavelin, chair of RNLI Penarth, said: "The RNLI has a long and proud history in the Vale, and this honour is not just for those of us here today, but for every volunteer – past and present – who has dedicated themselves to saving lives at sea."
"Whether answering the pager at any given hour, maintaining our lifeboats and equipment, teaching vital water safety skills, or tirelessly fundraising, each person plays a crucial role in the RNLI’s mission."
"None of this would be possible without the incredible work of our fundraisers. The volunteers of the Dinas Powys Fundraising Branch, alongside those supporting Barry Dock and Penarth, ensure that we have the resources to continue our lifesaving work."
"Their dedication – organising events, raising awareness, and inspiring communities to support the RNLI – is just as vital as launching a lifeboat. Without them, we simply couldn’t do what we do, and tonight is an opportunity to shine a light on the people behind the yellow wellies."
The RNLI's 200th anniversary celebrations saw the Barry Dock station take delivery of a new £2.8 million Shannon class lifeboat, shorlty after moving into its new home at the Pierhead Buildings.
She said: "There are over 200 volunteers from the community in the Vale of Glamorgan and none expect to be recognised as they all give their time unconditionally."
"The team of crew, lifeguards, water safety, shop volunteers and fundraisers are all out continuing their vital roles as a collective effort to save lives."
"Being granted the Freedom of the Vale shows the deep connection between the lifeboat stations in the Vale and the communities we serve."
"The support we receive from the Vale of Glamorgan and its residents has been unwavering, from local businesses backing fundraising efforts, to the words of encouragement received by the RNLI lifeboat stations whenever the lifeboat heads out."
Penarth hospice opens daffodil memory garden
'Vale 2030': council launches corporate plan
Work to start on Cowbridge retirement scheme
Vale line closes for engineering works
Senedd moving out of Siambr
Norovirus: hospital pressure 'exceptional'
Morgan grilled over £4.8bn benefit cuts
Barry Bike Club to return
St David bravery award for Penarth lifesaver
Ruth Jones honoured with St David Award
Plans for ‘crumbling’ Senedd offices face scrutiny
Work to start on new Vale campuses
Barry Company launches world's first edible soap
First Minister visits Barry Makerspace
Council's housing waiting list grows again
Cardiff Airport's chief exeuctive quits
Norovirus: hospital visitor ban extended
Littering on the increase, charity warns
