A relief Tamar class RNLI lifeboat arrived at Angle to test the new re-profiled slipway last week.

The new slipway is part of a major project to adapt the boathouse for the arrival of Angle’s own state-of-the-art £2.6million lifeboat.

RNLI engineers, inspectors and senior personnel ensured the Tamar was able to launch and recover safely and effectively from the new slipway.

Colin Williams, RNLI divisional inspector for the west, said: “We have now proved that the recent extensive modifications carried out at Angle to allow a new larger lifeboat to operate from the RNLI boathouse, have been completed in good time ready to accept the new lifeboat due in March 2009.

“This lifeboat station is one of the five major slipway boathouse projects required within Wales to allow us to upgrade the all-weather lifeboat fleet on our coastline with larger and faster boats.”

The RNLI recently announced that the London-based Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons donated £1.6million towards the new lifeboat.

The windfall was a significant boost to fundraising efforts, and the £1.6million donor will have the right to name the new lifeboat during a ceremony in June.

Major works at the Angle boathouse are nearing completion – the boat is much bigger and faster than the current Tyne class lifeboat.

Angle is the second RNLI station in Wales after Tenby to receive a Tamar lifeboat.