It is an emblematic vision which began more than 200 years ago. 

Now an illustrious pledge marking two centuries of saving lives at sea has been signed in honour of the RNLI’s landmark anniversary. 

Three volunteers at Hunstanton lifeboat station signed the Connecting our Communities scroll on the latest leg of its journey on May 23. 

The scroll is inscribed with the RNLI One Crew pledge, setting out the vision Sir William Hillary decreed at the launch of the charity in March 1824. 

The pledge is visiting RNLI communities around the coast of the UK and Ireland as part of the charity's 200th anniversary celebrations. 

Eastern Daily Press: Louise KyleLouise Kyle (Image: Chris Bishop/RNLI)

Louise Kyle, 20, the station's youngest sea-going volunteer, and press officer Geoff Needham, who at 91 is the oldest member of the crew, put pen to the bamboo roll to applause from crewmates. 

Chairman of the Hunstanton and West Norfolk Lifeboat Guild, Derek Greening, also added his signature to the scroll. 

Jeff Lenton, one of the deputy launch authorities at Hunstanton, said: "It's a tremendous honour to be able to commemorate 200 years of saving lives and recognise the thousands of volunteers who give up their time to help us. 

"Thank you to all of our supporters locally, regionally and nationally for everything they do - without them, we'd be nothing.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Members of the crew at Hunstanton RNLI with the Connecting our Communities scroll, before it set off on the next leg of its journeyMembers of the crew at Hunstanton RNLI with the Connecting our Communities scroll, before it set off on the next leg of its journey (Image: RNLI/Chris Bishop)

After formalities were completed at Hunstanton, the scroll set off on the next stage of its journey where it will visit lifeboat stations in Lincolnshire.  

The 5m-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI locations around the UK and Ireland before finishing its journey in October at Douglas on the Isle of Man, which was home to Sir William.  

By then, it is expected to carry around 700 signatures. 

The pledge began its journey on March 4 this year at a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to mark the charity’s official 200th anniversary.