A LIFE-saving hovercraft financed in memory of a Worcester schoolgirl who drowned during a trip to the seaside has helped almost 50 people in three months.

The Spirit of Lelaina came into service at the end of May and has been on constant call along the Somerset coastline throughout the summer.

During that time it has skimmed across the treacherous mudflats - which tragically snared Lelaina Hall two years ago - now saving eight lives during seven separate rescues.

Most recently, 26-year-old Anne Marie Albert, of Tenbury Wells, had to be rescued by a Sea King helicopter when she became trapped in deep mud 328 yards offshore at Brean, near Weston-super-Mare, on Wednesday, September 1. She panicked and suffered an asthma attack, but coastguards managed to reach her thanks to the Spirit of Lelaina, and dig her out.

The hovercraft has also raced out to warn sun seekers who have strayed into potentially dangerous areas of the beach and carried emergency services to hard-to-reach incidents.

"It has been an invaluable resource," said Mark Newman, spokesman for Burnham Area Rescue Boat, which operates the vessel.

"Over the summer, we have rescued, helped or advised close to 50 people along the coastline."

The hovercraft was named after five-year-old Lelaina, who died during a family trip to Berrow beach, near Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, on Sunday, June 23, 2002.

The youngster wandered a mile from the shore during low tide and become stuck in soft mud. She drowned, before the rescue helicopter could reach her, as the tide came back in.

The incident touched the hearts of Evening News readers who donated cash to a fund set up by the Western Daily Press, which raised £115,000 for the craft and its boathouse.

Although the busy summer months are over, The Spirit of Lelaina will continue to be an invaluable resource for the coastguards.

"This autumn and winter could be a particularly busy time as the weather starts to get a little less friendly and people continue to walk out into the dangers of the mud," said Mr Newman.

A memorial garden was established at Lelaina's school - Oldbury Park Primary in Oldbury Road, St John's, Worcester - in October, 2002.