The crew of a north Norfolk lifeboat say they have had one of their busiest years.

Over the course of this year, Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat have responded to 19 call-outs.

Lewis Gladding, helmsman with the lifeboat crew, said that number was up from last year when they had 10 shouts, and the year before when they had just two.

Mr Gladding, 19, said: 'This year has been the most shouts we have had since becoming an independent in 1974. There have been a lot more people on the beaches at Sea Palling and Waxham this year and a lot more power and leisure boats in the sea, which could explain it.'

Over the year the crew have also welcomed a new addition to their fold, a new boat which is yet to be officially named.

The boat is a Surfcat used mainly in South Africa for surf rescues. It will be used for searching the reefs around Sea Palling from reef one to nine and approximately one mile out.