And she has been made a life president of the guild as a thank you.

Mrs Bullen, from Old Hunstanton, was awarded the MBE last year for her services to the lifeboats, the guild being the fundraising arm of the RNLI.

She told the Lynn News: "I have had a wonderful 20 years. It is a marvellous cause."

She received flowers from guild committee member Mrs Karen Gubbins and a certificate from the RNLI in a presentation at the guild's annual meeting at the Lifeboat Inn at Thornham on Wednesday.

Her husband, Geoff, received a bottle of brandy.

New guild chairman is Terry Morris (65), of Thornham, who retired to the area ten years ago from his job as a ceremonial events organiser in the City of London. Souvenir secretary for the guild, he was elected chairman at the meeting – and said he was looking forward to it.

He described Mrs Bullen as "one in a million" who would be a hard act to follow.

The guild had a fantastic committee, said Mr Morris, supporting the activities of the RNLI which has a Hunstanton crew. Stalwart supporter Steve Stevens received a vice-presidency on the night.