LIFEBOAT crew members are used to being on call 24/7 - but having a call out on a wedding is something bridegroom Keith Charlton hoped to avoid!

Llandudno RNLI veteran lifesaver Keith Charlton was celebrating his marriage to Sue on Saturday, July 17; Keith has served with the RNLI for over 40 years and currently is a key member of the shore crew responsible for lifeboat launches.

As guests gathered to enjoy the reception, the sound of pagers filled the air as crew members were tasked to launch by the HM Coastguard Holyhead.

Rapidly reporting to the Llandudno boathouse, the crew of the all-weather lifeboat William F Yates launched at 4.50pm to meet and assist a 50-foot powerboat which was experiencing mechanical difficulties in the Conwy Estuary.

When on scene, the all-weather lifeboat Coxswain Graham Heritage made the decision that undertaking a tow was both necessary and the safest way to assist the casualty vessel. The towed vessel was then returned to the safety of Conwy Marina, a short distance away.

Thankfully Keith did not have to go on the 'shout'.

He said: "We are so used to being on call 24/7 ready to respond to the pager night and day. However, on this occasion Sue had me handcuffed and would not let me go on the shout."