A PHOTOGRAPH of the tractor used to launch Exmouth's lifeboat has been crowned reserve champion in a South West competition.

A PHOTOGRAPH of the tractor used to launch Exmouth's lifeboat has been crowned reserve champion in a South West competition.

Melanie Mock, wife of Exmouth RNLI coxswain Tim Mock, scooped the accolade in the RNLI-run competition to find the best shot of the Tallus tractor in use.

The winning shot was of Burnham-on-Sea's tractor submerged in sea spray and highly commended was a photograph of Looe's machine submerged in the swell.

Mrs Mock's photograph shows the tractor recovering the town's all-weather lifeboat, Margaret Jean, from the water.

Each winning photographer scooped a bottle of champagne.

Mrs Mock said: "It is a wonderful feeling just knowing you have taken 'the shot'.

"I was really pleased with it and I am thrilled it has been chosen."

RNLI divisional engineer for the south west Dave Page said the competition had been a 'golden opportunity' to promote the silent army of tractor operators who were the pinnacle of a successful lifeboat launch.

He said: "Our tractors aren't that well known to many people and yet without them some lifeboats would never be able to launch.

"These aren't any old tractors, they are specifically designed to be used across sandy terrain and to go into the sea, sometimes to quite challenging depths and in surf conditions.