THE RNLI Portishead team have welcomed their first ever female helm.

Susan Beaten has spent the last 10 years volunteering for the RNLI and has become the first female helm in the charity's 27 years of lifesaving work on the Bristol Channel.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from the RNLI Portishead team said: "It is with great pleasure we share our latest news, huge congratulations to Susan Beaton, our newest and first female helm here at Portishead in our 27 year history of lifesaving on the Bristol Channel.

"Well done Susan all the hard work has paid off and thanks to all the crew and training team for supporting Susan all the way."

The RNLI Portishead crew shared more details about Susan's journey on their website. Susan said: "I joined the Largs crew when I was living at home and looking for work, after graduating university.

"While I was finding it difficult to get a job, due to lack of experience, this was not an issue for the RNLI. I turned up to my first training session, never having learned to tie a knot, not knowing how to use a chart or having driven a boat. None of this mattered.

"The Largs crew taught me everything. All I needed to do was turn up, pick up a sponge, be willing to learn and go to sea when required.

"When I moved to Portishead a year later, I was lucky enough to transfer to Portishead to continue my journey. After being crew for quite a few years, I put myself forward for the Helm Development Program.

"This whole process has pushed me to the limits of my comfort zone. From learning about taking command, to making decisions in seconds as well as overall situational awareness.

"As helm you need to be aware of everything going on in the boat, as well as everything going on around you. It’s now my responsibility to ensure everyone on that boat comes home safely, as well as any casualties you have been tasked to.

"At every step of this journey I have pushed myself to meet the high standard the RNLI expects of its helms, and throughout this process I have been supported by the fantastic crew around me.

"It’s a privilege and an honour to be the first female helm at the station."