Appledore's new Tyne class lifeboat was named at a ceremony at the town's quay on 25 June 1988.

Major David Gibson, elder son of George Gibson, the donor after whom the boat is named, handed the boat over to Air Vice Marshall John Tetley of the RNLI's Committeee of Management. He in turn gave the boat over to the care of Dave Garrett, station honorary secretary at Appledore.

The lifeboat was then named George Gibson by Mrs Frank Homfray, daughter of the donor. (Photo courtesy Jeff Morris).