A hovercraft lifeboat paid for by readers of the Western Daily Press has gone into active service.

The Spirit of Lelaina was bought with funds raised following the death of a five-year-old girl on mudflats in Somerset, when the paper decided act to prevent a second tragedy.

It will now be available all year round in daylight hours ready for the summer holiday season.

A statement from the charities Burnham Area Rescue Boat and the Association Search and Rescue Hovercraft, which are in charge of the hovercraft, said: "We are delighted to announce that The Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft, so kindly purchased by generous readers of the Western Daily Press, has gone into service.

"We have a dedicated team of pilots, crew and supporters who have been working hard towards this historic day.

"They will make themselves available for any emergency situation they are called to assist with. The hovercraft will cover the area from Brean Down to the upper reaches of the River Parrett.

"We are all very proud to be part of this fantastic tribute to Lelaina and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project."

The Western Daily Press raised £115,000 for the craft, which can 'fly' over mud. It is aiming to bring in another £75,000 to pay for training lifeboat crews.

It raised its initial £35,000 target inside two weeks. Since then the paper has been swamped with letters and donations from readers all hoping to help prevent a similar tragedy.

And each reader who made a donation has been recorded on a special roll of honour, which was printed in the paper each day.

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