HOYLAKE lifeboat crew's rescue work features in the new series of BBC's Saving Lives at Sea next week.

Now in its fourth season, the 10-part documentary showcases the lifesaving work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and will be shown on BBC Two this Tuesday (August 27) at 8pm.

The series features real rescues carried out by the charity's volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards around the UK and Ireland.

Each programme gives a unique insight into the lives and work of the charity’s lifesavers who are needed more than ever before, rescuing thousands of people and saving hundreds of lives around our coastline and on inland waterways every year.

The new series features more dramatic real-life rescue footage, accompanied by emotive testimonials from the volunteer crews, lifeguards and the people they rescue and their families.

In Tuesday night's episode, Hoylake lifeboat volunteers assist in the rescue of two horses stuck in thick mud.

There will also be rescue stories from their colleagues at other stations and beaches around our coasts.

Hovercraft crew member Ian Farrall took part in the rescue and says: "I'm very much looking forward to seeing some of the work we do at RNLI Hoylake featured on TV.

"We rely on public donations, so Saving Lives at Sea is great because it gives people a chance to see exactly how their donations help us save lives, whether they be human or animal!"

Filming took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming film-makers into their day-to-day life.

Rescues from the RNLI's archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives.

Last year alone, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland rescued 9,412 people, saving 211 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 32,207 people and saved 118 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

Saving Lives at Sea - made by Blast! Films - begins on Tuesday (August 27) at 8pm on BBC Two and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

The series continues throughout August, September and October.