A DEDICATED member of Porthdinllaen RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew has received recognition for 30 years’ service.

Gareth Williams has been awarded a bar to his long service medal in recognition of 30 years’ service as a crew member at Porthdinllaen RNLI.

Gareth, who joined the crew at Porthdinllaen in 1985, first joined as a shore helper and has risen through the ranks in his time at Porthdinllaen to assistant mechanic.

Keneth Fitzpatrick, Porthdinllaen RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: “All Porthdinllaen RNLI Lifeboat Station wish to congratulate Gareth on his achievement and dedication to the lifeboat. He thoroughly deserves recognition for his service.

“In his time at Porthdinllaen RNLI, Gareth has seen a lot of changes – when he first actually joined, we had a Watson class lifeboat capable of eight knots. This was replaced in 1987 by a Tyne class lifeboat capable of 18 knots and to our present lifeboat, a Tamar class which arrived on station in 2013 which can reach a speed of 25 knots.”

Gareth said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Porthdinllaen RNLI but will not be hanging up my boots for a while. It’s hard to believe that 30 years has gone by since I joined.”

Gareth was recently presented with his award at the annual crew dinner by Morgan Jones, S4C presenter and avid supporter and fundraiser of the RNLI at Porthdinllaen.