The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is organising a flag relay to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

It aims to raise awareness for the lifesaving work they do, and promote engagement among locals with the help of its 60 stations around the coasts of England and Wales.

Simon Booth, the new station manager at Minehead said: "The relay is about having some fun, raising awareness of our work and hopefully raise some vital funds as well.

"Volunteers Week, when the relay started, was the perfect time to kick it off."

The flag journeyed from Burnham on Sea, stopped momentarily at Minehead, and is set to continue its journey to Boscastle.

The NCI, started at Bass Point, Cornwall in 1994, monitors daily coastal activities ensuring water safety.

The organisation sprung to life when locals reopened a closed HMCG station after a tragic incident that cost two local fishermen their lives.

The NCI reported any coastal safety-related incidents to His Majesties Coastguard, facilitating access to immediate help.

Currently, the NCI operates 60 stations across England and Wales, supported by over 2,600 conscientious volunteers.

Their effort in helping people at sea and maintaining a daily visual and radio watch has been imperative in reducing tragic marine incidents.