There’s a new man at the helm of the Largs RNLI lifeboat as Gordon Kennedy becomes the sixth volunteer qualified for the role.

Gordon, an electronic design engineer, has volunteered saving lives at sea for 12 years, and passed out as a helm on Friday October 28.

The volunteer undertook intensive training and assessment over several months both at Largs and at the Lifeboat College in Poole.

Following the success of passing his final assessment, Gordon can now be responsible for taking command of the lifeboat and ensuring fellow volunteers remain safe while afloat.

Gordon said: “Having gained a lot of experience over the years as a member of the volunteer crew, the time was right for me to give back a bit more.

“By becoming a volunteer helm I can transfer some of my experience to newer volunteers by sharing my knowledge and understanding.

“I am delighted to be the latest helm and look forward to joining the compliment of other helm crew members at Largs RNLI.”

During his training and assessment, Gordon has been supported by the rest of the volunteer crew based in Largs, and will become the sixth currently serving volunteer helm based at Largs RNLI.

John Griffiths, lifeboat operations manager at Largs RNLI, has praised Gordon for his hard work and says he deserves the new role.

He said: “I am very pleased that after all of Gordon’s hard work and commitment to training, he has achieved the status of RNLI helm.

“I would also like to thank all of the crew and the other helms at Largs Lifeboat Station who have supported Gordon in becoming our newest helm.”