Wolseley has formally presented a new lifeboat to the RNLI.

Sunderland was only the second lifeboat station in the north of England to receive an Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, which is one of the lifesaving charity’s most technologically advanced vessels.

The lifeboat, named Wolseley, went on service in May and has already launched 24 times, rescuing 46 people. Wolseley director Paul Gordon named the lifeboat at a formal ceremony at Sunderland Marina on 8 September.

Wolseley raised £125,000 to fund the Atlantic 85 by encouraging its 15,000 UK employees, its customers and suppliers to support the RNLI with a number of fundraising events.

The Atlantic 85 is the first RNLI inshore lifeboat to have radar, which means it can operate more effectively in reduced visibility. It is also faster and bigger than its predecessor, with room for a fourth crew member as well as more space for casualties.

Sunderland RNLI senior helmsman Paul Nicholson said Wolseley has already proved her worth on the North East coast.