Rescue crews stage exercise for public

Land's End was the venue for an action-packed celebration of the county's air sea rescue service.

Royal Navy personnel from RNAS Culdrose, near Helston, staged the event which featured a daring rescue performed by helicopter crews, along with coastguards and lifeboat volunteers, off the perilous cliffs of the attraction.

The RNLI Tamar-class lifeboat City of London III and a Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose put on a demonstration for the crowds at the Land's End display day

Visitors were able to climb aboard a Sea King helicopter and see some of the other kit used by the service at home, as well as on the front line in Afghanistan.

Commander John Lea said the event, on Thursday, was a valuable opportunity to meet the public and was especially valuable as Culdrose was not holding its usual Air Day event this year.

"It is very important that the Royal Navy meets with the general public to explain what we do and where we are deployed across the globe," he said.

"This year, because we have not been able to run our annual Air Day, we thought that it would be a good idea to take some of our people, aircraft and kit out to the various events which are held across Cornwall during the summer holiday season.

"This will give local residents and the many visitors to our county, the chance to chat to sailors and actually have a hands on experience of the Royal Navy."

David Bryans, General Manager at Land's End, said it was a great way to show the valuable service.

"We're delighted to be once again recognising the vital role these organisations play in keeping our part of Cornwall safe and secure," he said.

"Air Sea Rescue Day at Land's End just keeps growing and getting better and better, with a fun-packed programme for all the family to enjoy."