MORE than a decade of work from volunteers paid off this week as Hoylake Lifeboat Museum welcomed its first exhibit.

The museum, which is currently being developed at the old lifeboat station, is now home to 110-year-old "Chapman."

And businessman John Parr, who has led the project, said it was an "emotional day for everyone involved."

He first had the idea to open the museum 13 years ago when he discovered Chapman in dereliction on the shores of Ribble.

The idea was strongly supported at a public meeting and since then John has spent time restoring Chapman and 1970's lifeboat "Thomas Corbett."

Both boats are listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels.

John said: "Ever since the beginning of this project, people have rallied round and all chipped in. Today is a huge step for all of us and it is fantastic that we can bring a local boat home – it is a great opportunity.

"Chapman was a real mess and was virtually derelict when we found her and she even had a tree growing inside. I couldn't leave her there so it set the wheels in motion to open the museum.

"The people of Hoylake have really got behind us and they finally have somewhere to celebrate these beautiful lifeboats."

The museum project was recently awarded a £30,000 grant from the Government's new coastal town fund.