A NEW lifeboat will be named after a talented Cornish teenager who was killed in a car crash last year.

Musician Ollie Naismith, from Looe in South East Cornwall, died on December 6, aged just 19, after his car left the A38 near Saltash.

More than a thousand people paid tribute to the popular guitarist via Facebook, while hundreds of mourners paid their respects at his funeral a week before Christmas.

Now the RNLI has announced the rescue boat heading for his home town will be named in his memory.

The charity yesterday launched a £31,000 appeal to pay for the new D-class inshore lifeboat, which is being supported by the Naismith family – Ollie's father John, mother Maxine and younger sister Tori.

One of his closest friends, Jamie Curtis, is an RNLI volunteer at Looe and will be among those who will crew the new lifeboat.

"Ollie loved the sea and surfing and Jamie was one of his close friends," Mrs Naismith said. "Ollie was full of life and would be amazed to see his name on a lifeboat.

"This will keep his memory alive for his dad, sister and me and for his many friends in the community of Looe.

"Lots of people have asked if there will be some sort of memorial for Ollie following his tragic death, and now I can answer them by asking them to give financial support to this special appeal in Ollie's name."

Two RNLI lifeboats are based at Looe – the current D-class lifeboat Regina Mary and a bigger Atlantic-class inshore lifeboat, the Alan and Margaret.

Between 2006 and 2009, the two lifeboats launched 129 times and rescued 119 people.

The new inshore lifeboat to replace the Regina Mary will be faster, fitted out with hi-tech navigation equipment and an updated first aid kit. It is due to arrive at the station in the autumn.

Dave Haines, RNLI lifeboat operations manager at Looe, said inshore boat was a vital asset which complimented the larger lifeboat.

"Looe and its surrounding coastline is extremely popular, especially in the summer months, and time and again the call outs we launch prove the need for our two inshore lifeboats," he said.

"Then of course there's our fishing fleet to protect and the many leisure craft that journey past Looe between Fowey and Plymouth.

"This new D-class inshore lifeboat will provide us with a valuable tool especially when it comes to rescues up the river in shallow water, and out among the rocks or at the foot of cliffs."

The appeal, which is also being backed by Looe Mayor Councillor Michael Joy, is aiming to raise the total amount needed to provide the lifeboat, its engine and all relevant equipment to help save lives at sea.

People wishing to support the appeal can donate in a number of ways. Cheques made out to the Looe Inshore Lifeboat Appeal should be sent to Looe Lifeboat Station, West End, East Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1AT.

Donations can also be made by calling 0845 121 4999, and quoting the appeal, via www.rnli.org.uk/looeappeal or by supporting the many events due to be held in the coming months. For more information, please contact Looe Lifeboat Station on 01503 265072.