STORMY conditions greeted the official naming of the UK's first hovercraft rescue service at Abbott Hall, Grange-over-Sands, on Saturday, reports Jon Taylor.

Up to now Grange has had to rely on rescue services from the RNLI stations at Barrow and Morecambe, and the unusual tides in the Grange area can give the normal sea-rescue boats problems.

Bay Hovercraft Rescue team chairman Adrian Swenson told the Gazette: "When the tide is low it is impossible to launch the other vehicles, and the hovercraft will provide important cover."

The £22,000 specially-built five-seater Osprey hovercraft will work alongside the existing coastguard and fire and rescue services, and was bought through private funding.

A major contributor to this was Ada Hillard, originally from the Grange area, who braved a torrential downpour to dedicate the craft which is named The Lady Ada in her honour.

At the naming ceremony, Mr Swenson said Mrs Hillard was thought of as one of the team.

" Without this special person none of this would be possible.

Her input makes her one of the most important team members.

She calls us 'her boys' and it is a great honour to have her here today."

Patron of the service Lord Cavendish officially handed over the keys of the craft to the team members, and sat aboard the hovercraft as its engines were fired up to celebrate the event.

Lord Cavendish told the Gazette: "This is a very important addition to the safety of all who venture out into the Bay.

Not only the seamen, but people who walk across the sand flats will benefit by the increased safety."

Lord Cavendish then looked toward the dark skies and added: "We could soon be needing the hovercraft just to get home!"

Following the naming ceremony, the Bay Hovercraft Rescue committee held a recruiting meeting for volunteers to pilot, and support the Lady Ada, which will be officially brought into service once their training is completed next summer.

The Bay Hovercraft Rescue is seeking further funding to help buy additional emergency equipment and to cover the estimated £ 3,000 a year fuel cost.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or a sponsor can contact Mr Swenson on 01524-702064.