A GROUP of people who put the safety of others before their own have been honoured for their long service.
The 12-strong Portreath Coastguard team think nothing of heading of at a moment's notice in all weathers, day or night, to provide emergency support along some of the most challenging coastline in the county.
This year alone, they have been involved in incidents ranging from a fatal plane crash at Portreath to the recovery of stolen goods from the treacherous North Cliffs.
Some of the longer serving team members were honoured at a special gathering at the Portreath Arms last Thursday evening, when Peter Dymond OBE, head of Her majesty's Search and Rescue, handed out awards.
Presentations went to former station officer Alan Roberts, valedictory certificate for 47 years; station officer Mark Roberts, 30 years' service medal and bar; Jim Dennis, 20 years' service medal; Richard Whiting, 20 years' service medal; and Andrew Mills, valedictory certificate for six years' service.
Pauline James collected an award for 16 years' service on behalf of her late husband Brent.
The Portreath team members are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be called out at a moment's notice, from their jobs which range from a mechanic and a plasterer to a photographer and a baker.
"It's about serving your community," said station officer Mark Roberts. "My dad (Alan) was in it and I grew up with it. It's just a way of life for me.
"The Portreath team covers from The Old Quay House at Hayle as far as the river at Porthtowan.
"It's a very varied patch that includes the dunes at Gwithian and Godrevy, North Cliffs and the RAF Station.
"When you chat with other Coastguard stations you realise just how interesting this area is."
Coastguard sector manager Matt Pavitt praised the work of the award winners and the other members of the team.
He said: "They do an incredible job. They give up a massive amount of their own time.
"They all have full time jobs, yet at the drop of a hat they head off to help people who are in trouble."
