An ancient ship's anchor is the focal point of the RNLI-inspired creation as the town's In Bloom committee pays tribute to West Norfolk crew members past and present.

The new bed, at the heart of the Esplanade Gardens, is to be officially revealed in a ceremony honouring the hard work and determination of the RNLI crews which help keep the area's waters safe.

West Norfolk RNLI station, in Old Hunstanton, has a 20-strong team, providing a 24-hour search and rescue service, following in the footsteps of hundreds of others in the station's history, which dates as far back as 1867.

Mr Geoff Needham, volunteer press officer with the RNLI, said: "It is a great honour for the efforts of the RNLI to be recognised in this way.

"The bed is a fantastic focal point for the community and visitors to the town to enjoy throughout the year and reminds people just how hard we work to keep the West Norfolk coastline safe."

The rustic anchor is surrounded by wild flowers senistas lydia, English stonecrop, sea campions, heraceous shrubs and ornamental gardens, creating a sea of golden yellows and pinks.

West Norfolk Council's operations manager, Mr Chris Durham, said: "When we designed the bed, we were careful to choose flowering plants and shrubs which are resilient enough to withstand the cool breezes which can be found on the top of Hunstanton's famously-striped cliffs.

"It is hoped with some care and attention many of the bed's flowering plants will be in full bloom within the next month or two, just in time for the town's seasonal visitors to enjoy this summer."

Hunstanton's In Bloom committee, borough council and town council officials will be joined by serving members of the RNLI for an official opening of the bed in the Esplanade Gardens at 2pm tomorrow.

Everyone is welcome to go along.