The former Caister lifeboat Bernard Matthews will be brought back by Dick Thurlow, whose years as coxswain began aboard her in 1991 and ended when she left the village in 2004.

For the final part of the journey, the historic vessel will be accompanied by Caister’s current all-weather lifeboat, the Annette Thurlow, named in memory of Dick’s late wife.

Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service is launching an appeal to raise £100,000 to purchase the Bernard Matthews, restore her to lifeboat condition and create a permanent home for her at its museum, where visitors will be able to discover the stories of the boat, her crews and the rescues they undertook.

The former Caister lifeboat, The Bernard Matthews, when it was launched for the last time in 2004. (Image: Archant/Simon Finlay)

The current owner has agreed arrangements that will allow the lifeboat to return to Caister while the appeal is under way, with........

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