CROWDS are expected to line the beach at Barmouth for the arrival of the town’s new lifeboat.

The £2.2 million, Ella Larson, a state of the art Shannon class lifeboat, is estimated to arrive off the town next Sunday morning.

Her crew of Barmouth volunteers travelled to the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset for initial training and to collect the boat. It was planned for her to leave Poole on Wednesday.

An RNLI spokesman said: “Her passage from Poole will include stops at Brixham, Newlyn and Kilmore Quay in Ireland, before making her way to North Wales. The passage will be a great opportunity for the volunteers to put their training into use and familiarise themselves with the new lifeboat before bringing her home to Barmouth.

“She will be escorted into her new home by lifeboats from Aberdyfi, Criccieth and Pwllheli.”

The Ella Larson will take over from the station’s Mersey class all weather lifeboat the Moira Barrie which has looked after lifesaving in Cardigan Bay for more than 26 years.

The Shannon class lifeboat is the first modern all weather lifeboat to be propelled by water jets instead of traditional propellers, making her the most agile and manoeuvrable all weather lifeboat yet. The Shannon class boats can reach a top speed of 25 knots, which is nearly 50% faster than the Mersey class, giving crews the ability to reach those in need even faster.

Additionally, the Shannon can turn in her own length or stop almost instantly, making going alongside a vessel to take off casualties a much safer option.

The Moira Barrie will remain on station for a number of weeks before handing over to the Ella Larsen once all training is complete. The new boat will be officially named in a ceremony at the station planned for June 8.