A COASTGUARD rescue officer has been commended for her 30 years of hard work and dedication.

Sarah Welton from Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team was presented with her long service clasp by acting chief coastguard Peter Dymond at the Royal British Legion in West Lulworth.

A clasp is presented after every additional 10 years service after the initial 20 year Long Service Medal is achieved.

Sarah enrolled in the Kimmeridge Coastguard Team in 1981, before moving to the Lulworth team in the late 90s.

Sarah has also received three Chief Coastguard Commendations in the past 30 years with the team, for rescues involving saving a distressed lady on Christmas Eve in 2003 and helping a sailor aboard the yacht Tekoa just minutes before the boat broke up after it ran aground at Kimmeridge in 1992.

In 2005 she, along with the Lulworth team, was involved in the search and rescue mission of two teenage boys who were swept into the water at the Cove. A third boy was also swept out but was able to get back ashore.

The team was called out in the days after the tragedy to help with searching caves and areas as requested by the family and police, until both boys’ bodies were recovered up on the far side of the Cove.

Once again team members were awarded the Chief Coastguards Commendation for their actions and dedication.

Weymouth sector manager Rob Sansom said: “As well as her rescue duties, Sarah has been active in accident prevention initiatives in the local area, particularly with schools and youth groups.

“Sarah is a dedicated coastguard rescue officer.”