ONE of the UK's busiest sea rescue crews has launched a fundraising appeal so it can take to the waves in a state-of-the-art vessel.

Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) has launched a £66,000 appeal for equipment for its new boat.

The independent rescue service based in Stokes Bay, Gosport, has taken delivery of a £120,000 nine-meter rigid inflatable boat, which it hopes will replace its ageing 14-year-old front-line boat, GR1-David Brading.

Government delays over new legislation on the construction of new lifeboats forced the station to delay the purchase of the boat, after it received a £70,000 legacy to help towards the costs.

That legislation is due out later this year and the crew is confident this boat will meet all the new requirements.

Complete with twin Marlin Marine diesel motors, the fibreglass hull sits proudly in front of the station. However, unless another £66,000 can be found for vital equipment it may be some time before the boat is speeding to the rescue of sailors or swimmers.

GAFIRS vice-president John Lee, said: "We are aiming to raise the £66,000 by April, 2005 with a dedication in May - we must have a date to work towards."

The new craft will be named The Jim and Molly Newton after the Shropshire couple who left £70,000 in their will to GAFIRS.

Jim Newton, had worked for the Admiralty in Portsmouth and after he died his wife Molly left a legacy to GAFIRS. She passed away in 1994.

Relatives of the Newtons, including executor of the will Peter Lover, were at GAFIRS at the weekend to see the new boat.

Peter, 80, of Marine Parade West, Lee-on-the-Solent, said: "We are delighted to see the boat. Jim would have loved it."

GAFIRS, which has 80 members, was called into action 112 times last year to assist with rescues in the Solent.

Manned completely by volunteers, the independent rescue service currently operates two frontline lifeboats.

Figures from the group's annual report show 2003 ranked as the third joint busiest in the past six years. Members have already been called out 23 times this year. Equipment needed for the new boat includes a console, radios and navigation systems, seats, a steering column and propulsion controls.

To donate to the appeal call 023 9258 2576.