A VOLUNTEER is celebrating after passing an assessment which recognises her ability in keeping a vigilant eye over Exmouth s waters. Dawn Brown, a new member at the coastwatch station, has been awarded a National Coastwatch Institution assessment. She was

A VOLUNTEER is celebrating after passing an assessment which recognises her ability in keeping a vigilant eye over Exmouth's waters.

Dawn Brown, a new member at the coastwatch station, has been awarded a National Coastwatch Institution assessment.

She was handed the award by Heather Webber, senior lady watchkeeper, and a certificate of qualification by Bill Nash, the station manager, at Exmouth NCI's general meeting.

Exmouth NCI boasts 10 female watchkeepers in the branch - making up nearly 20 per cent of its 54 members.

Mr Nash said: "Ladies make excellent and reliable watchkeepers and we need more of them."

Females helped last year by clocking up 1,308 hours of duty at the tower on Exmouth beach, logging 9,760 crafts going in and out of the Exe estuary as well as assisting the Brixham coastguard with 28 incidents at sea.

Julian Smart, RNLI area supervisor, attended a meeting held last month to detail the summer activities of the lifeguards.