Wells lifeboat coxswain Allen Frary is likely to be out of action until after Christmas after breaking his left leg.Mr Frary, 55, who has served the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for 32 years, broke his tibia and fibula and in total suffered 10 fractures.

Wells lifeboat coxswain Allen Frary is likely to be out of action until after Christmas after breaking his left leg.

Mr Frary, 55, who has served the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for 32 years, broke his tibia and fibula and in total suffered 10 fractures.

He was at his home in August, just stepping through a doorway, into his house when he broke his leg. “I just turned to come into the house but I really don't know how I did it,” said Mr Frary.

He said his current situation was very frustrating for him because, in 11 years as the station's coxswain mechanic, he has never been off sick.

But Allen's leg break has not deterred him from keeping an eye on what's going on at the lifeboat station.

“I am still taking an active interest in dealing with the paperwork from home and dealing with any queries from the lads at the station but it is very frustrating for me. I have been told that it could be at least January before I can return to full operational duties,” he said. There are three deputy coxswain.

Mr Frary is also keeping in touch, via e-mails, with his role as chairman of Wells Town Council.

Planning consent is being sought for an extension to the existing lean-to building at the side of the lifeboat station at Wells.

It needs has to be made bigger to house a new launch and recovery soft track launch vehicle that is being introduced to the station.