Deb Graham, daughter of Exmouth coxswain Keith Graham, helped mark a special occasion when she went aboard Exmouth's Trent class lifeboat during the traditional Christmas Day swim off Exmouth beach last year.

Deb, sadly confined to a wheelchair after a diving accident cruelly paralysed her from the neck down, was thrilled at the opportunity to be wheeled aboard the lifeboat to watch the hundreds of revellers hurl themselves into the sea.

Crew member Geoff Ingham devised a warm shelter for Deb by zipping two crew jackets together which completely enveloped her and the chair while crew members stood guard around her when Keith demonstrated the Trent's power and manoeuvrability to the crowds.

Keith, recently honoured as citizen of the year by Exmouth Rotary club retired as Exmouth coxswain in September after 18 years service and this was his last time taking out the lifeboat on Christmas Day. Until now everyone in the Graham household waited patiently for Dad to come ashore before opening presents - this Christmas will be different!.