Hundreds of hours of research on the history of Exmouth's lifeboats goes on sale in September.

Hundreds of hours of research on the history of Exmouth's lifeboats goes on sale in September.

Brixham based author and RNLI speaker Alan Salsbury has devoted his time to writing a history of the Exmouth RNLI lifeboats - which he will donate all the royalties from sales of the book to the sea safety charity.

Alan's book, Across the Bar, will be published on Saturday September 4 to coincide with the official opening ceremony of the new Exmouth lifeboat station, at Maer Rocks.

The large A4 hardback book boasts more than160 pages of historical detail and more than 150 images.

The book charts the history of Exmouth's lifeboats from the first vessel in 1802 - the introduction of the RNLI lifeboat in 1859 - until the present day.

Alan, who funded the project himself, said researching the book had been 'fascinating'.

He said: "It has been a privilege to undertake this task and to have the opportunity to really get to know a lifeboat station in detail.

"I've been able to access reports for all the launches from 1866 onwards and though not every incident is chronicled, I have concentrated on those rescues which have involved outstanding service and bravery.

"This includes of course, the incident on Christmas day 1956 when lifeboatman Will Carder was tragically lost at sea."

Tim Mock, RNLI Coxswain at Exmouth, said: "Alan has done a great deal of painstaking research and has gathered together a superb collection of images to illustrate the story of the Exmouth RNLI lifeboats.

"I thank him for his efforts and urge people to apply early for a copy of the book, which will hopefully become a collectors' item."

To order a copy of the book, �19.95, ahead of publication you can contact the RNLI's south west fundraising office on (01752) 850680 and request an order form, or order direct from the link to the publisher on the Exmouth RNLI website at www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk