A STOURBRIDGE educational volunteer has been honoured by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) after years of unpaid work with the charity.

Caroline Haycock, who is also a member of RNLI Stourbridge fundraising branch, has been volunteering for the lifeboat charity since she retired from teaching in Dudley some years ago.

Not only does Caroline help the branch to raise much needed funds, but she regularly visits schools and youth groups to talk about the work of the RNLI, its volunteer crew members, its beach lifeguards and the preventative side of the organisation.

Caroline said: “I was absolutely thrilled to receive my RNLI bronze badge and had a truly inspirational evening amongst the other awardees.

“It was a great honour although, like all RNLI volunteers, I don’t expect recognition or awards for the work I do.

“Both those involved with the RNLI’s education team and Stourbridge branch are great to work with, and it’s a privilege to be a part of the team.”

She was honoured at the lifesaving charity’s regional awards ceremony in Birmingham by Vicky Wright, charity trustee, who praised the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Vicky said: “Today, we celebrate people. We celebrate not just those whose lives we saved, but the people who made this incredible achievement possible.

“We celebrate remarkable fundraising feats and decades of lifesaving service given by volunteers. And we say thank you – to all of you.”