Petherton's Lloyd to help Santa on Christmas Eve

FOR one single day every year, the man in the red coat with white trim is the busiest chap on the planet.

But who is standing by to help Santa through any tough times as he flies his way through the snows, wind, rain and chill of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England?

At 8am on Christmas Eve, Lieutenant Commander Lloyd Shanahan from South Petherton, pictured right, along with three crew members, will step forward to ensure that, whatever happens, Father Christmas will make it through.

For pilot Lloyd is one of the four-strong Royal Navy search and rescue crew on duty during this crucial delivery evening and they take their job very seriously.

Part of HMS Gannet, the Royal Navy’s search and rescue unit based at Prestwick in Ayrshire, Scotland, Lloyd and his crew will be airborne within 15 minutes during the day and 45 at night to respond to emergencies.

But the 35-year-old dad of three explains: “It’s not just about Santa, you know.

“Certainly he’s pretty important, but our job’s all about making sure that anyone who needs our emergency help, whether they’re in the hills, on the water or on the roads, can get it – hopefully in time to make sure that they will indeed have a Merry Christmas no matter what their predicament!

“While Santa is in our 98,000 square mile air space, though, we will always have a weather eye on ensuring that he doesn’t get blown off course and we know where all the carrot stores are just in case the reindeer need refuelling.

“As for all the other excited people who live in our area of coverage – we’re here to ensure that their Christmas Eve is as trouble free as possible!”

And, as if December 24 wasn’t enough for Lloyd and the crew, three out of four of them will return for duty at 8am on Boxing Day.

All the aircrew at HMS Gannet are Royal Navy or Royal Marines personnel who have served time on the frontline, bringing years of cool-headed bravery, experience and skill to their search and rescue duties.

Lloyd is married to Laura-Jane and dad to Isabella (7), Phoebe (5) and Angus (3).

 PHOTO: One of HMS Gannet’s distinctive red and grey Sea Kings on exercise in the snowy Scottish Highlands

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