DO YOU consider yourself able to deal with an emergency situation – such as helping a fisherman in trouble or going to the rescue of sailors in an overturned boat? If so you could be a suitable new recruit at Exmouth Coastwatch Station who are on the look

DO YOU consider yourself able to deal with an emergency situation - such as helping a fisherman in trouble or going to the rescue of sailors in an overturned boat?

If so you could be a suitable new recruit at Exmouth Coastwatch Station who are on the look out for volunteers.

Bill Nash, 66, manager of the station - one of the oldest in the country - formed in 1998, said a lot of people relied on the work of the coastwatch.

The station needs men and women to operate from the Harbour View Cafe, on the seafront, to keep a watch for persons in difficulty on the beach and at sea.

Bill added: "We are the eyes and ears for the coastguard. We listen to our special equipment and keep a constant watch to make sure no one is in trouble.

"You need good eyesight, common sense and to be able to give four hours per week in the summer and four in the winter."

Bill said the station, part of the National Coastwatch Institution, had lacked female volunteers in the past and he would particularly like to see more women offering their help.

The institution is a voluntary organisation keeping a visual watch along UK shores.

For more information contact Gordon Medlock, membership secretary, on 01395 273059 or visit the following website at www.nciexmouth.org.uk