LOCAL man David Owen has been honoured for almost 30 years of dedication to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with a rarely given Certificate of Service.

Long-time Longhope resident David, who now lives at Badgeworth Court Care Home near Cheltenham, was presented with the certificate and a specially engraved plaque to commemorate his fundraising efforts for the charity earlier this month.

He was presented with the award by Adam Pentney, chairman of the RNLI fundraising group for Gloucestershire and Forest of Dean, who also gave a “very informative and interesting” talk to residents on the work of RNLI and the challenges it faces.

Adam commented that David’s personal contribution has made a direct impact to saving lives at sea.

The event culminated in refreshments and a fund raising raffle for the charity.

In honour of his voluntary service, David’s plaque was engraved with the message: “With grateful thanks”.