Pam's dream job on stormy seas

Pam, who was born in Chase Terrace, near Cannock, has become a fully-qualified crew member of the Sidmouth Lifeboat in East Devon. Her voluntary role involves being ready for a call-out at all times of the day and night.

So far, Pam has been on 10 "shouts".

Pam, aged 44, who moved to Sidmouth five years ago, worked as a head receptionist at a hotel on the seafront.

She said: "Often, I'd hear the signals going off, followed by the lifeboat rushing to the launch site.

"I'd dash to the front steps of the hotel and wave to the crew. After several weeks, a senior crew member asked me if I would like to join."

Pam has even changed her job because of her lifeboat dream. Her hotel job meant she was unable to drop everything at a second's notice so she works as a groom at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.

To become a full crew member, Pam has had to undergo rigorous training.

Pam, who is divorced, regularly returns to the West Midlands. Her mother, Eunice, lives in Boney Hay, near Cannock, and her four children – aged from nine to 22 – live in Staffordshire and in Birmingham.

Pam became a grandmother two months ago and says: "I may not be the first female crew member – but I am the first granny!"