THE search is on for descendants of the original crew of the world’s oldest surviving motor lifeboat, which was stationed at Walton 100 years ago.

More than 100 people have already been traced and invited to the relaunching of the boat, the James Stevens No 14, next month.

The vessel, which was stationed at Walton from 1900 until 1928, was brought back to the town in 1998 by to the Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust.

Carol Cooper, from the trust, said: “We have received a lot of information about crew members but still need more and we need descendants to come forward.

“We have received lots of information on the Fairbrother family going back to the 1700s, but we have no knowledge of any offspring of Thomas and William Fairbrother, and we would welcome any information.”

The vessel had been converted into a houseboat, but has now been restored to its RNLI specifivation and livery by ten-year project costing £250,000.

TV personality Griff Rhys Jones, will launch the boat at Titchmarsh Marina, in Coles Lane, Walton, on September 5.

It will be open for viewing from 9am until 11.30am on the day, with a prize draw offering a chance to join Griff Rhys Jones on the restored boat’s first trip.

* Descendants of the following crew members are urgently sought: William Akers, Arthur Bates and Arthur Bates jnr, Charles Bates, Jeremiah Bates, Darby Clancy, H Clancy, Pat Clancy, Henry Cutter jnr, W Dowsing, Thomas Fairbrother, William Fairbrother, Philip Farrow, William Gould, Arthur Hales, Henry James, Tom James, Haven Puxley, William Sharman, James Spurgeon, Richard Usher, E Wilson and William Youngman.

Anyone with information can call Carol Cooper, on 01255 673705.