Throwlines were cast at Slapton Sands last Sunday to mark Her Majesty’s Coastguard 200th birthday.

Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team joined teams around the country in throwing the lines at 11am to mark the occasion.

A spokesperson for the Dartmouth team said: “From its beginnings with coastal lookouts to today’s hi-tech national network of coordination centres, from small localised beginnings to international players, one thing has stayed the same for two centuries – Her Majesty’s Coastguard seeks to search, to rescue and to save.

“In honour of our birthday, coastguards across all four home nations cast throwlines as a symbol of the service’s dedication - past and present.”

HM Coastguard was formally brought into existence on January 15, 1822 and has been working to keep people safe at the coast and sea ever since.

Throwlines, which form part of the coastguard’s lifesaving kit, were cast into the seas around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Sunday, with each team operating under the latest COVID-19 guidance for the local areas.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said: “When you look at how we started and where we are now, it’s easy to celebrate the innovation and development that can be seen throughout the service. And yet, we are far more proud of the people, the volunteers and the staff who throughout two centuries have continued to strive to keep people safe at the coast and out at sea. We always have and always will respond to those in distress.

“While this milestone is an opportunity for us to look back with pride on what we’ve achieved, we have always looked to the future, and I’m proud that we continue to look for ways in which to improve and save lives. I’m proud of the commitment, the dedication and selfless sacrifice and I’m proud of how the service has developed and continues to do so.”