A new coastguard station has opened on the Isle of Wight.

Needles Coastguard Rescue Team are now based in a new station at Golden Hill Fort in Freshwater.

The new building is complete with a dedicated training room and washing and drying facilities.

The facility cost £200,000 and took three months to fit, with the final touches being added in October to make the station operational.

An official opening ceremony for the new station will take place later this year.

Senior coastal operations officer, Andrew Woodford, said: “This is great news for both the team and the Island, as we are now in a much better place to respond to call outs and undertake training activities.

“The station is future-proof so it will be there for officers for years to come, it looks the part, and has all the facilities we need in a much more suitable space.

“A fit-for-purpose station is such an important part of coastguard training and response, so this is a brilliant addition to the service which will have clear benefits.”