RNLI volunteers and residents of New Quay were shocked and saddened at news of the tragic early death of Vincent Thomas.

Vince, 49, pictured, was a member of a New Quay family who have given great service to the RNLI over many years.

His late mother Betty was a long-term member of the fund-raising committee and his late brother Mervyn served the station for 45 years, 26 years of which was as station mechanic and later as deputy launching authority.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page