RNLI volunteers in the Vale of Glamorgan have been given Freemen and Freewomen status.

Local members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were awarded the Honorary Freeman and Freewoman status by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Cllr Lis Burnett, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, presented the volunteers with a plaque to mark this achievement at the Penarth Lifeboat Station.

RNLI members across Penarth and Barry Dock RNLI were honoured with these ceremonial titles in the organisation's 200th anniversary year, acknowledging their vital service to residents and visitors to the Vale and surrounding areas.

Cllr Burnett said: "The RNLI is a charity that relies on the commitment and generosity of volunteers to help keep people safe along our country’s coastline.

"The council wanted to recognise this contribution with a gesture that reflects our appreciation and admiration for the people who give up their time in this way.

"The RNLI also help to provide mental health support within the Vale and have a conversation bench on Penarth Esplanade."

Penarth RNLI's lifeboat operations manager, Jason Dunlop expressed gratitude for this recognition, remarking: "We are very proud and appreciate the recognition given by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

"There are over 200 volunteers in the Vale and none expect to be recognised as they give their time unconditionally.

"The team of crew, lifeguards, water safety, shop volunteers and fundraisers are all out continuing their tasks as a collective effort to save lives."

Plans are being discussed between the Vale of Glamorgan and the RNLI to hold a more formal public ceremony to officially celebrate the RNLI's Freedom of the Vale later in the year.