AFTER the storms and unusually high tides, Penarth lifeboat station's slipway was left strewn with rocks and pebbles, making it impossible for their boats to get into the water undamaged.

Thanks to a donation of the use of a JCB from the owner of Barry's Grab It Plant Hire Ltd these obstructions have now been cleared.

Owner Byron Colston, owner of Barry based Grab It Plant Hire Ltd, stepped in to offer his help, he said: "It was the least I could do.

"I’m familiar with the work of our local RNLI and I know how much time and effort all the volunteers on the team put in.

"I’m very pleased to have been able to help such a worthwhile charity."

Rod Hill, deputy launching authority at Penarth RNLI said that the charity was grateful for Byron’s generous offer of help.

“Maintaining a clear slipway is vital to the lifesaving work of the RNLI and all of us at Penarth lifeboat station are extremely grateful to Grab It for providing their services free of charge”, he said.

“We rely completely on voluntary donations in order to keep our service going, and it’s generous acts of kindness like Byron’s that help us continue to save lives at sea."