The ‘powerful and dynamic’ artwork was donated to the town’s RNLI by a former Royal Marine.

A Topsham artist who specialises in marine art has donated one of his paintings to the Exmouth RNLI.

David Chambers, of the Estuary Gallery in Topsham, visited the Lifeboat Station in Queens Drive on Friday, October 26, where he formally donated the painting.

David and members of his family also enjoyed a guided tour of the lifeboat station and its equipment.

“My love of marine art started as a teenager, with close relatives who were marine artists,” said David.

“My love of the world at sea led me to join the Royal Navy, later transferring to the Royal Marines. That’s when I came to know Exmouth and have since travelled widely pursuing my passion.

“I once visited Ameland where there was a reconstruction of a lifeboat rescue with using horses and led to the painting I donated.

He added: “I have total respect for the RNLI, its volunteer crew and staff and especially the fact that it’s a charity organisation funded wholly by donations from the public.”

David was born in Derby and comes from a long line of marine artists.

He served in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, he would often entertain his fellow troops by sketching comical figures and cartoons.

John Thorogood, of Exmouth RNLI’s fundraising committee, said: “This really is a very powerful and dynamic piece of art donated to us by David and we are extremely grateful for his generosity.

“We will be deciding in the near future how best to raise funds from it and will publicise details in due course.”

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea, its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

It operates 237 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 200 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK.

The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 140,000 lives.

David is currently working on a ‘Shannon Class at Sea’ painting that he intends to donate to Exmouth RNLI next year.