TRIBUTES have been received after the death of a former coxswain of Weymouth Lifeboat.

Bob Runyeard, who died last Saturday, was described as a ‘first class seaman.’ He joined the lifeboat in 1978 and served as a volunteer crew member and emergency mechanic until he took over as volunteer coxswain in 1989.

He served in that post until reaching the RNLI retirement age of 55 in 1999.

A spokesman for Weymouth RNLI said: “Bob was a much respected and well know character in and around the harbour, being a local ship’s pilot for many years and local boatman.

“He remained a staunch supporter of the RNLI after his retirement and was always keen to know what shouts the lifeboat had been out to.”

Current lifeboat coxswain Andy Sargent said ”Bob was a first class seaman who earned the respect of all the crew and supporters of Weymouth lifeboat station.

“Our condolences go to his wife Lynn, daughters Kate and Beth as well as the rest of his family and friends.”