2 June 2012 Last updated at 11:37 ET

Cowes lifeboat's time-cutting station operational

The station is run and crewed by 35 volunteers

A new RNLI lifeboat station which cuts the lifeboat launching time has been made operational on the Isle of Wight.

Customs Watch House at Cowes has been converted into a station for the service, replacing its temporary berth at Shepards Wharf Marina.

Housing the lifeboat in the station on the River Medina means crews can launch the lifeboat four minutes faster.

The RNLI volunteers based at Cowes are involved in over 40 search and rescue operations within the Solent each year.

It was funded through a £1m appeal which began in April 2011, which has raised just over £700,000.