Falmouth Lifeboat volunteer crew member Elliot Holman has become the latest coxswain qualified to take command of Falmouth's 17 metre Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Richard Cox Scott, after passing his final assessment.

Elliot joined the crew in 2010 and spent time training in all aspects of the RNLI's sea-going operations, becoming an inshore lifeboat helm eight years ago and then qualifying as an all-weather lifeboat navigator three years later.

His coxswain training included, amongst others, two separate modules, a Command and a Search and Rescue course, both primarily based afloat and lasted 18 months.

Elliot said: 'I was very fortunate to grow up next to the water and I spend every spare minute I have on or next to the water either yacht racing, cruising or just exploring the coast on foot. I joined Falmouth Lifeboat back in 2010 and have enjoyed every minute and haven't stopped learning.

'It was a huge honour to even be asked if I would consider undertaking coxswain training. 18 months later and lots of intensive training on all aspects of the boat and a huge commitment from all the crew to help me train, I'm incredibly proud to have passed-out as a coxswain. The assessment was challenging with multiple scenarios thrown at me and the crew continuously but thankfully all the training paid off.'

The station says they are incredibly proud of Elliot, who joins recently qualified coxswains Adam West and Nick Head to ensure continued rescue cover from Falmouth.