When 21-year-old Guy Pain arrived at Poole headquarters at 5 pm one August afternoon the office was closing but a special celebration in his honour was ready to begin. For Guy, who suffers the handicap of diabetes, had reached his destination after a 515 mile walk round the South West Peninsular Coast Path which had begun at Minehead lifeboat station 28 days earlier.

Calling at other lifeboat stations en route, where he was greeted by lifeboat crews and supporters, Guy was sponsored for every ten miles walked and raised over £3,000 for the lifeboat service.

Guy, whose home is in Solihull, is studying accountancy and he planned his walk months in advance encouraged and supported throughout by members of the Lions Club of Great Britain.

Among those waiting to welcome him and photographed with him above, were Rear Admiral Wilfred Graham, director of the RNLI, who presented Guy with a plaque, and Des Chaplin of Poole Lions Club..