TWO tireless volunteers have been rewarded for their commitment to a life-saving charity.

Marica Frost and Angie Butcher are celebrating more than 60 years of service between them, raising funds for West Mersea Lifeboat Station.

Their amazing efforts have been recognised by the Mersea and District Lifeboat Guild.

Marica and Angie were presented with 40-year and 20-year long-service badges respectively during a presentation outside the lifeboat station by lifeboat operations manager Rick Boreham.

They spoke about their time on the guild, watched by proud family members and volunteer crew.

Marica was a founder member of the Mersea and District Ladies’ Guild, more than 40 years ago.

Husband John Frost was a volunteer on the crew when the guild was founded and son Reuben Frost is currently a volunteer crew member.

She has held the position of chairperson and helped run many fundraising events, including the annual RNLI fete on Mersea Island.

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Angie joined the ladies’ guild more than 25 years ago and, after holding the position of vice-chair, is now the current chairperson of the Mersea and District Lifeboat Guild.

The name changed when men were allowed to join a number of years ago.

Angie has been a very active member, helping with most fundraising events, including the tea stall held annually on West Mersea Town Regatta Day.

Mr Boreham said: “These two volunteers are a credit to the guild.

“Their tireless work, giving up their time to raise funds to keep the station running, is always appreciated and they go about it with great humour.

“Just like the volunteers on the crew, they, and the guild, are a vital part of the RNLI here on Mersea.”

Lifeboat press officer Chris Lewis-Garnham added: “This summer is expected to be a busy one, both locally and nationally, as more people stay in Britain.

“This vital fundraising will enable our volunteers to be fully equipped to continue to save lives at sea.”

The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and West Mersea Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1963.

To find out more, head HERE.