A ‘HISTORIC’ day for lifesavers on Portland was marked with the official unveiling of a new camera that will keep a watchful eye on the coastline.

Borough Mayor Graham Winter, deputy Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Rupert Best, town councillor and Asda employee Sandy West and Bosch representative Linda Williams were among the supporters in attendance.

They joined National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Portland Bill station manager Geoff Peters, engineer Russell Kitson, Portland Coastguard’s Mark Rodaway, NCI volunteers and fundraisers Beryl Martin of Uploaders Stitch and Bitch group and Kim Scard.

The event celebrated two-and-a-half years of work to secure permission and funding for the £18,000 camera to be situated on the Grade II listed Portland Bill lighthouse.

Station manager Mr Peters said: “It’s a historic day. The fact is this now completes our eyes along the coast.”