A VETERAN of the West Bay Coastguards is the new station officer for the rescue service – after the current one stepped down.

Jamie Staple, who joined the service in 1984, was rung in as the new station officer at the start of December after Mark Collins, who has been in the role for a number of years, stepped down to be able to concentrate on his business and family life.

Mr Staple will now lead the team of volunteers for the next 12 months until his retirement, and has had a busy start to his career, with the body found on West Bay Beach and the rescue of the dog-walkers.

Mr Staple said: “I am due to retire in 2015 so it will be nice to leave at the top. I joined 29 years ago when a friend asked me to join and I’ve loved it ever since, being part of the community and helping to give something back.

“There is an excellent crew at West Bay and they are always willing to turn up no matter what and will always go the extra mile to help people, which is what you ask for.

“I can’t wait for it now, I was a bit hesitant at the start but now I’m really excited for the next 12 months.

Mark Collins, the former station officer at West Bay, confirmed he would not be leaving the coastguards and would still remain as an officer.

Mr Collins said: “I really enjoyed my time as the station officer and I’m not stepping down because I didn’t enjoy it, but I really have just got too much on.

“But, Jamie is definitely the perfect candidate. He has a lot of experience and he relates to the team well. I think he is retiring from the coastguards in the next few years so to retire at the top is a perfect way to leave.”