WESTON'S RNLI crew celebrated being granted with The Honorary Freedom of the Town over the weekend (Sunday, March 10).

This is the greatest honour that can be bestowed on any organisation or individual in the town.

The RNLI has been an integral part of the coastal town since 1882. Its staff and volunteers save lives day in, day out, sometimes even putting themselves at risk to rescue those who find themselves in difficulty.

Weston Mercury: This is the highest honour a town can bestow.This is the highest honour a town can bestow. (Image: Heidi Burton)Weston Mercury: A ceremony was held in celebration.A ceremony was held in celebration. (Image: Heidi Burton)Weston Mercury: RNLI paraded throughout the town.RNLI paraded throughout the town. (Image: Heidi Burton)Weston Mercury: Residents gathered to celebrate the RNLI's work.Residents gathered to celebrate the RNLI's work. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: RNLI parade.RNLI parade. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: The ceremony was held on Sunday, March 10.The ceremony was held on Sunday, March 10. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: RNLI use up-to-date kit to save people's lives.RNLI use up-to-date kit to save people's lives. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Posting about the day on Facebook, the mayor of Weston, Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, said: "Yesterday we celebrated the granting of the freedom with RNLI WsM parading from the life boat station to The Grand Pier - led by Weston Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets - before we held a ceremony signing the scrolls confirming the highest honour, the freedom of the town.

"The bar for awarding a freedom is exceptionally high.

"Since 1937 we believe only 4 freedoms of the town have ever been granted in Weston-super-Mare. RNLI Weston-super-Mare have been added to that list of incredible organisations that have the full support and admiration of the town.

"Here's why RNLI Weston-super-Mare have been awarded the freedom of the town:

"They are an exceptional organisation, whose staff and volunteers are incredible individuals putting themselves at risk to save others and seek no credit or fanfare.

"Since the Weston lifeboat station was founded in 1882 the crew have launched 2,269 times and saved 477 lives, and have dealt with countless near misses and prevented many many more.

"The crew are volunteers - balancing the role with personal and work commitments, making their own sacrifices. Saving lives isn’t 9-5, it’s 24/7.

"The RNLI are a family with many different roles ranging from crew, to fundraisers, to volunteers who run the operations and the shop.

"Every part of the family are equally as important as each other, and this honour is to recognise all of them - past, present and future.

"To show their appreciation Burnham on Sea Atlantic Lifeboat and Barry Docks Trent Lifeboat came to Weston and undertook a sail by, with a stunning background as the sun began to set.

"Finally, for many the event was bitter sweet following the death of crew member Chris Lyons before Christmas, and to recognise Chris' impact his son Jenson joined us."

Weston Mercury: The RNLI were honoured for their work.The RNLI were honoured for their work. (Image: Heidi Burton)Weston Mercury: Residents of all ages got involved.Residents of all ages got involved. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: The Weston lifeboat station was founded in 1882.The Weston lifeboat station was founded in 1882. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: The bar for awarding a freedom is exceptionally high.The bar for awarding a freedom is exceptionally high. (Image: Heidi Burton)Weston Mercury: Since 1937 only four freedoms of the town have ever been granted in Weston-super-Mare.Since 1937 only four freedoms of the town have ever been granted in Weston-super-Mare. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: It was a beautiful day for the celebrations.It was a beautiful day for the celebrations. (Image: Heidi Burton)

Weston Mercury: The RNLI is made up of volunteers.The RNLI is made up of volunteers. (Image: Heidi Burton)