THE RNLI has revealed Exmouth's old seafront boathouse will be taken over by the charity s lifeguards once the move to the new multi-million pound boathouse goes ahead.

THE RNLI has revealed Exmouth's old seafront boathouse will be taken over by the charity's lifeguards once the move to the new multi-million pound boathouse goes ahead.

The lease on the old lifeboat station runs out in May 2010 and speculation about the future of the building has been rife.

The RNLI said the charity's lifeguards are to take over the building as a support centre for its East Devon units.

Steve Instance, RNLI lifeguard inspector, said the old building would provide back-up for the new boathouse near Maer Rocks.

He said: "This building will provide a key support base for the four extremely busy beaches in East Devon.

"Spare RNLI lifeguard equipment will be based here as will the two RNLI lifeguard supervisors for the area who need office space.

"We will also use the old boathouse as a base for lifeguard training before and during the season.