VOLUNTEERS who would like to help save lives at sea while taking in stunning views are being sought to help keep watch over the Aberystwyth coast.

The National Coastwatch Institution, a charity which has more than 2,000 trained volunteers at over 50 watch stations around the UK, opened a watch station at the top of Constitution Hill in July, which has been manned from 11am until 6pm every weekend over the summer.

But local watchkeepers say they only have six volunteers at present, and are calling on people to come forward and take up the offer of free training to allow the service to expand to include weekdays over the winter months.

“I like to be able to help the community, whether it is on land or at sea,” said Aberystwyth watchkeeper Anne Bryan, explaining what she enjoys about the voluntary work.

“I find it very interesting and it is nice to be able to do something which helps the community.”

Only last month, the watchkeepers at Aberystwyth helped spot and report a vessel approximately four miles off Aberystwyth which had experienced engine failure, and was towed in by Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat as a result.

If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer watchkeeper, please call Ed Jenkins on 01970 623426 or 07791 202123; or Anne Bryan on 07702 950927.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Wednesday