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2007 was a memorable year for Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB).

It was recognised for its work with a prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and it turned out to be the busiest period for call outs in its 143-year history.

Brigade captain and chairman Will Hogg says it is all down to a committed team of volunteers who give up their time day or night to respond to calls for their help and those who work behind the scenes to keep it running.

TVLB on a training exercise

He said: "At the moment we never stop. We just seem to be going from strength to strength.

"At any time we could be doing any type of thing."

Varied call outs

The Brigade boasts a proud history. Founded in 1864 as a voluntary shore-based rescue service, it provided the model for a network of similar teams around the country.

It can be called upon by the Coastguard or police and is involved in a range of call outs including searching for missing people, rescuing injured people along the coast, cliff rescues, providing safety cover for helicopter landings and collecting data on marine-related incidents.

In 2007, it was called on 133 times, the highest rate since its formation.

The TVLB's distinctive Watch House building

Among the incidents it was involved with were rescuing a fisherman by stretcher after he had fallen and cut his head while digging for bait on St Mary's Island, rescuing a young man stuck on cliffs at Cullercoats Bay and towing out a number of vehicles stuck in sand.

Will said: "I think it is just the way things are going. People are using the facilities more and coming down to the beaches we cover."

'Hidden treasure'

The Brigade is based at the distinctive Watch House at Tynemouth, which is also a museum packed with fascinating artefacts.

Will describes it as a "hidden treasure" which he said it is impossible not to be impressed by.

The museum attracts visitors from around the world and there are also educational programmes for schoolchildren.

The Queen visiting TVLB

Will has been involved with the Brigade for 25 years and said it was the sense of history and tradition which attracted him.

He said many of the people who get involved as volunteers are local and it is through word of mouth.

He said: "There's the tradition, having been the first one in the world and based at Tynemouth. It's being able to do something to carry on a tradition started in 1864.

"And I think it's just the satisfaction of being able to do something."

Dedicated volunteers

It takes between £15,000 and £20,000 a year to run the Brigade and all the money comes from fundraising or donations. Will said they are grateful to the organisations and individuals which support them.

There are between 30 and 35 active members. The team follows the Coastguard training programme which covers areas like first aid, giving oxygen and using a defibrillator.

Will said: "We look for people who are interested and dedicated and prepared to come out."

Find out more by visiting the TVLB's website: