A LARGS man says he has fulfilled 'his lifelong ambition' after becoming the new helm of the town’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

Angus Fergusson is on the crest of a wave only the sixth person to fulfill the role at the station and can now take the wheel of Largs RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

The Inverclyde National Sports Centre worker initially joined as shore crew at Largs in September 2020 and quickly progressed through the ranks to become a key member of the team.

Joining the lifeboat crew has been a lifelong dream for Angus, who fundraised for the charity as a young boy through rowing challenges and decorating fishing boats for the organisation's on-water carnival.

He told the News that set his sights as a child on becoming crew one of the RNLI lifeboats, and snapped up his chance two years ago after being introduced to the Largs crew by a fellow member.

Since joining, Angus says he always hoped to become the helm - and is delighted to now fulfil that ambition.

He said: “This gives me the opportunity to maintain and put into practice my own skills and knowledge, whilst also guiding and encouraging others and promoting good practice at sea.

“It means a lot to me to have this title and I am hugely proud to be part of the close-knit RNLI family here in Largs.

“I now look forward to joining the other helms at the station where we can all work together, learn from and support each other.”

During his training, Angus has been supported by the rest of the local volunteer crew and has been attending official theory and practical sessions on a variety of subjects.

He has now been assessed on the numerous different challenges of overseeing a B-class inshore lifeboat - and passed with flying colours.

John Griffiths, lifeboat operations manager at Largs RNLI, is full of praise for Angus and says his new role will help the team continue its vital work of saving lives at sea.

He said: “I am delighted that after all of Angus’ hard work and commitment he has achieved the status of RNLI helm.

“I am sure he will be a great asset to the existing helms and will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies."