A NEW Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) lifeboat has been launched in memory of tragic Kidderminster man Stuart Frost.

SARA officially launched and dedicated the inshore lifeboat to their colleague Stuart Frost W26 - who was killed in a car crash last year - at a special ceremony on Saturday (January 21).

There was a short ceremony at Stourport Boat Club to dedicate the and bless the boat, SARA 26. Stuart's parents Ian and Kath, and girlfriend Emma Lunn were all in attendance.

Stuart, 42, was killed in a car crash on March 21, 2016, on the A450 Worcester Road.

He had volunteered at SARA for a number of years and the association wanted have a remembrance of Stuart at their Wyre Forest base.

Stuart’s father, Ian Frost, who made a speech at the ceremony, said: “We are immensely proud to see the newest boat officially launched and to see Stuart's name living on and supporting SARA in their future search and rescue missions.

"We know that Stuart would also be extremely proud, looking down on the gathering - in his sunglasses of course - and seeing so many so many people there.

"Our sincere thanks to all of the SARA 'family' for all that they have done to support us and Stuart's memory.

"We, in turn, will do what we can to help and support SARA and again, we cannot thank them enough for all that they have done and especially for today."

SARA requested government funding for a new boat two years ago and received a grant of £13,000.

Nick Harvey, senior crew member for SARA and Stuart’s close friend, said: “The dedication ceremony was a heartwarming and moving service with a small presentation to the family.

“We had a good turn out of guests, dignitaries, fellow service personnel and SARA crew to circa 100 to 120.

“After the service we ran a short 25 minute demonstration showing the boats capabilities.

“The boat went straight into service on Saturday and was used on Sunday on its first outing supporting Stourport Rowing Club in safety cover for their event.”

For more information about the Wyre Forest SARA station, visit sara-wyreforest.org.uk. The website has been created by Kidderminster estate agents Walton & Hipkiss - whose managing director, Andrew Hipkiss, volunteers for SARA.