PENARTH RNLI's longest-serving volunteer has decided to finally step down from the branch committee, although the 93-old-veteran will be continuing in her role as branch president.

Pauline 'Buddy' Thompson MBE first started helping out with secretarial duties at her local lifeboat station in 1954, after being recognised for her organisational skills while out collecting funds for the charity.

Born in Penarth, Mrs Thompson lived in Chantilly, France under the German occupation during the Second World War, before moving to Newfoundland with her American husband after the end of the conflict where she worked for the American Red Cross. She subsequently returned to Chantilly and later Penarth, where she established and ran the St Aubin Nursery for 25 years.

A lifelong supporter of the RNLI and the Penarth station, Mrs Thompson said: "It's quite a big part of Penarth life.

"People here are very proud of their lifeboat and its crew. People have a huge respect for the RNLI because crews go out on high seas in rough weather."

Still a a familiar face helping out in the station gift shop or rattling a collecting tin, Mrs Thompson said one of the biggest changes she had seen were the facilities now available to the RNLI.

Recalling the old lifeboat station (underneath the Fig Tree restaurant), Mrs Thompson said fundraisers used to be afforded just two metal filing cabinets to store RNLI souvenirs – a far cry from the modern shop now housed within the current station.

In 2006, Mrs Thompson was awarded an MBE for her services to the RNLI, and fondly remembers her meeting with Prince Charles, describing the award as "the icing on the cake" of her time with the charity.

She also holds a silver RNLI badge and an RNLI gold badge with an additional gold bar, and has been made a life governor of the charity.

Her service to the RNLI was noted at the recent RNLI Penarth fundraising branch AGM, held at Penarth Yacht Club. Chairwoman Caroline Eva presented Buddy with a token of thanks from the branch, thanking her for the time and effort she has put into her work on the committee.

Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager said: "Buddy’s contribution to the RNLI in Penarth is remarkable, and her commitment to the institution is acknowledged at the very highest level.

"I am so pleased that Buddy will continue to support the Penarth branch as its President."

Penarth RNLI will be hosting a coffee morning, with Mrs Thompson in attendance, at the Paget Rooms on Saturday, Mach 24 between 10.30am and 12pm.