A NEW inshore lifeboat has been launched in memory of tragic former Stourbridge man Stuart Frost.

SARA – the Severn Area Rescue Association - officially launched and dedicated the new rescue boat to their colleague Stuart Frost - who was killed in a car crash last year - at a ceremony on Saturday (January 21).

There was a short ceremony at Stourport Boat Club to dedicate the and bless the boat, SARA 26, which was attended by Stuart's parents Ian and Kath, and girlfriend Emma Lunn.

Stuart, who grew up in Stourbridge, died after a car crash on March 21, 2016, on the A450 Worcester Road.

The 42-year-old, who lived in Kidderminster, had volunteered at SARA for a number of years and the association wanted to remember Stuart at their Wyre Forest base.

His father, Ian Frost, said: “We are immensely proud to see the newest boat officially launched and to see Stuart's name living on and supporting SARA in their future search and rescue missions.

"We know Stuart would also be extremely proud, looking down on the gathering - in his sunglasses of course - and seeing so many people there.

"Our sincere thanks go to all of the SARA 'family' for all they have done to support us and Stuart's memory.

"We, in turn, will do what we can to help and support SARA and again, we cannot thank them enough for all that they have done."

SARA requested government funding for a new boat two years ago and received a grant of £13,000.

Nick Harvey, senior crew member for SARA and Stuart’s close friend, said: “The dedication ceremony was a heart-warming and moving service with a small presentation to the family.

“We had a good turnout of guests, dignitaries, fellow service personnel and SARA crew to circa 100 to 120.

“After the service we ran a short 25-minute demonstration showing the boat’s capabilities.

“The boat went straight into service on Saturday and was used on Sunday on its first outing supporting Stourport Rowing Club in safety cover for their event.”

For more information about SARA visit www.sara-rescue.org.uk or www.sara-wyreforest.org.uk.