Portishead RNLI gets called out during Christmas Carol singalong

After the pager sounded at 8.53pm on December 22, the team sprung into action to assist the Coastguard and the police in their search.

However, at around 9pm they received the call to stand down, since the person had been located safely.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from the RNLI Portishead team said: "CALL OUT - (22nd December) Just as the RNLI volunteers were wrapping up their volunteer get together for their Christmas Carol singalong at the lifeboat station, the pager sounded at 8.53pm.

"As several crew were at the lifeboat station along with our Launch Authorities (our volunteers who take the call from the HM Coastguard), they were able to sprung in to action and all families who were there cleared the way for the crew to enable a fast launch.

"My Lady Anne, the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat was already poised at the top of the ramp enabling the crew to launch just in case this very situation happened. Within minutes they were ready to go and help the Coastguards and Police search for a missing person.

"Just as the barrier was lifted and rig started to make its way to the waters edge they were paged again at 9.00pm and were stood down. Thankfully the person had been found safe and well by the Police.

"Thank goodness for a happy outcome so close to Christmas.

"Remember if you see anyone in trouble in or on the water, even over the New Year period, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, we are still on call for our community."

The charity's website reads: "The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered primarily by kind donations, our search and rescue service has been saving lives for nearly 200 years.

"We are a charity founded upon and driven by our values of selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness, with volunteers at our heart.

"Values shared by generations of supporters like you who have powered our lifesaving work through your kindness and generosity for almost 200 years."