TRIBUTES have been paid to the former Queen's Guide to the Sands Cedric Robinson MBE and the volunteer crew of Morecambe lifeboat station, by Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons.

Mr Robinson, now Ambassador to the Guide Over Sands Trust, piloted the Masons safely across Morecambe Bay for the past nine years during their charitable walks. They gave him a £500 cheque for a charity of his choice, being Morecambe RNLI.

During a brief awards ceremony after their fundraising trek, the Freemasons showed their thanks Mr Robinson's support and guidance in helping them raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes. They wished him well in his retirement.

Assistant provincial grand master Keith Beaumont and communications officer Brian Ferrington presented the cheque to lifeboats operations manager Steve Wilson, during an open day at Morecambe RNLI.

Mr Beamont said: "I know Cedric has been a long supporter of the RNLI at Morecambe and this personal donation from the Freemasons of Cumberland and Westmorland following his retirement as the Queen's Guide will help towards enabling the RNLI to continue to maintain their operational standards for the community in lifeboat operations."

Steve Wilson said: "‘All our crew are volunteers who give their own time to train and rescue people across Morecambe Bay, and donations such as this allow us to provide them with the correct personal protection equipment, to keep them safe when they go out to rescue others.

"We are delighted with Cedric’s support and over the years he has raised a lot of money for the RNLI. We would like to thank him and the Freemasons of Cumberland and Westmorland for this generous donation."

Mr Robinson commented: "I love Morecambe RNLI. I love the crew. They accompany the walkers and myself most of the way across the bay to the channel. They have supported me for many years. I think a lot of them, and they must think a lot of me. They are very worthy of this donation."

The former Queen's Guide was also presented with a framed certificate from the RNLI for his long-standing support.

Keith Beaumont, assistant provincial grand master and Cedric Robinson MBE receiving his framed certificate from Steve Wilson, lifeboats operations manager, joined by members and crew of Morecambe RNLI (Picture: Brian Ferrington)