THE Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat received a visit from its patron, Dr Liam Fox, at the Sugar Loaf Lifeboat Station on Saturday.

The North Somerset MP arrived just as the lifeboat returned from an emergency call out, in time for the crew to take him out on the water to show him the new vessel and coastal areas covered by the trust.

Chairman John McCorquodale said: “This was a useful opportunity for Liam to enjoy some relative relaxation away from the stresses and strains of Westminster.

“The visit was low key and personal and Dr Fox thoroughly enjoyed a few high speed runs in the new Atlantic 75 lifeboat.”