By Sarah Newstead

Last updated 15:58, Friday, 21 November 2008

A new era has dawned for Silloth lifeboat station with the launch of the most advanced boat in the RNLI fleet.

• Video: Silloth's new lifeboat

Launch of the new Silloth lifeboat

The £160,000 lifeboat – the Atlantic 85 – went into service at the weekend and replaced Silloth’s Atlantic 75.

It was bought with a legacy left by Cheshire man Don Wilkinson, a dedicated RNLI supporter who died in 2001, and is named after him and his wife Elaine.

The Solway station is the first in the north west of England to operate the 27ft boat, which is equipped with radar to help it function better in poor visibility.

Silloth’s RNLI lifeboat operations manager Eddie Studholme said: “It’s a really big confidence boost for the town and the crew.

“The old boat was coming to the end of its service at this station. The new one is much larger which means there’s more room for casualties, there’s more comfort for the crew, and it handles better in rough weather.

“It’s more powerful, hence it’s quicker. It’s more ergonomic, environmentally friendly and economical.

“It’s like comparing an old car to a brand new Range Rover. It makes that much difference. It’s a fantastic bit of kit.”

The new boat carries four crew members, reaches speeds of 35 knots and is capable of carrying 30 rescued people.

Crew member Chantelle Southwaite, 18, said although the boat has not been called to a rescue, it will be much more effective when the time comes. She said: “It makes a big difference. The radar helps us position people in the water quickly. It takes just eight minutes to launch and is so much better than the old one.”

Silloth Lifeboat station is manned entirely by volunteers. The crew raised £33,000 with the help of the community to pay for training on the Atlantic 85.

Mr Studholme added: “We raised this money in 2007 due to the generosity of many local people and we would like to thank them for that.

“The money is being put to good use.”

Silloth’s old lifeboat, Spirit of Cumbria, launched 98 times and rescued 53 people. It goes to the RNLI relief fleet, filling in for boats being repaired.

The Atlantic 85 is expected to last 15 years in service.