The lifeboat will be run independently by volunteers

Blyth's all-weather lifeboat was removed by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the summer.

However, with the help of a loan from a local businessmen, campaigners raised the £120,000 needed for a replacement.

The lifeboat, which has been brought from Norfolk, will be independently run by volunteers, and funds raised to cover day-to-day costs.

Changing demand

Ronnie Campbell, MP for Blyth Valley said: "Fishermen and everybody concerned with the river were very, very disappointed and sad when the lifeboat was withdrawn.

"I honestly think there's a great call for it, it's pulled the community together.

"When it comes to running costs, we'll just have to put our heads down and see. It's the boat for Blyth and Wansbeck, with two big towns supporting it, so we should be able to manage it."

The RNLI said the decision had been made because of the changing demand for lifeboat services, and that there were five RNLI lifeboat stations operating seven lifeboats along a 22-mile stretch

In a statement, they said: "We wish to emphasise most strongly that the RNLI is confident that we now have the correct balance of lifeboats along the stretch of coastline."