WORK to build a new RNLI lifeboat station for St Davids has got underway.

The contract to build the modern facility has been awarded to BAM Nuttall, which took over the site on June 9.

The project includes a boathouse and slipway for the new Tamar class lifeboat, with additional space to accommodate the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat.

The boathouse will include modern facilities including a drying room for kit and better provision for crew training and equipment maintenance.

There will be improved access to the station which is important for the delivery of equipment and for the evacuation of casualties brought in by the lifeboat.

The cost of construction at the St Justinians site is approximately £9.5 million and the RNLI will shortly launch a community fundraising appeal towards the overall cost.

The contractor is in the process of setting up a construction compound, including a tower crane to service the boathouse.The jack-up barge will arrive in due course to drive piles for the outer section of the slipway.

St Davids' new Tamar class lifeboat arrived in April 2013. It is being kept on a mooring to allow it to be deployed whist the planning and construction processes are completed. The £2.7 million lifeboat is called RNLB Norah Wortley and has been funded by the generous bequest of Diane Mary Symon.

An RNLI spokesman said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience as we provide the necessary base for 21st century life-boating.”