Teignmouth harbourmaster Cdr David Vaughan opened the new south Devon headquarters of the Maritime Volunteer Service.

Cdr Vaughan, who is also chief executive officer of the Teignmouth Harbour Commission, carried out the ceremony of the new headquarters in Teignmouth alongside the town's mayor, Cllr David Cox.

The organisation promotes maritime training by and for volunteers.

Volunteering officer Rolf Ruesing, unit commander for south Devon, thanked Cdr Vaughan and Cllr Cox for attending the event.

He also thanked Cllr Cox for his 'outstanding' support and his efforts on behalf of the local Maritime Volunteer Service.

Mr Ruesing said: 'The occasion is all about creating a platform and an opportunity to forge closer working relationships with the local community and the local maritime community in particular.'

Landlords Seasports Southwest Ltd host the weekly meetings of the service at their premises in New Quay Street.

Volunteers and members meet every Monday between 7pm and 9pm for theoretical training sessions and to socialise.

Practical, on the water training is an essential part of the group's work, some of which is provided on the service's own 34ft Nelson launch.