The Spirit of Lelaina rescue hovercraft has been launched at the end of a remarkable campaign by the Western Daily Press.

The newspaper started to raise funds for a rescue craft after five-year-old Lelaina Hall drowned in sinking mud on a westcountry beach last summer.

Editor Terry Manners opened the ceremony, attended by Lelaina’s family and more than 150 guests, who had come to witness the launch of the craft designed to make the beaches safer.

He spoke of how the tragedy sparked the paper’s campaign which raised a staggering £115,000 to buy a craft which could fly over mud, sand or water to save people in danger and the amazing response they had received from readers.

He said: “One elderly lady wrote to us, saying that her pension was counted down to the last 10p yet she sent us £5. She didn’t give her name but she was from Wiltshire. I will never forget that.

“The hovercraft boathouse and all the equipment we have got will be a part of Burnham, Berrow and Brean’s history. So that 50 years – even 100 years from now – the Spirit of Lelaina will live on.”

Lelaina’s mother Caroline Hall also spoke at the event, She said: “For me it’s also a poignant day. Obviously it’s a reminder for my family and friends of what we have lost. And also a reminder of what happened on that day last June.

“Although Lelaina’s life was very short, she had left a big mark. And I just want to say thank you very much to everyone who has supported the Western Daily Press campaign.”

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