A youngster who grew up around boats and ended up working at his local Suffolk yard has scooped top prize at a county maritime contest.

Max Fleming, 18, an apprentice at Demon Yachts in Aldeburgh, became the sixth generation of his family to volunteer for the town's RNLI lifeboat crew.

The ex-Suffolk New College student and Alde Valley High pupil was one of a host of young people working in the sector to be celebrated at an awards event at Haven Ports Yacht Club at Levington, near Woodbridge.

The East Anglian Maritime Awards at Levington Marina. award winners pictured with Lady Clare, Countess of Euston and Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk (Image: Lucy Taylor) They received gifts and certificates for their efforts at the second East Anglian Maritime Awards (EAMA) which were held on November 12.

Max - who was 12 when his dad, a Sizewell B electrician, introduced him to sailing - trained at college as a motorbike mechanic, but he was always drawn towards boats and was thrilled to become part of the eight-strong boatyard team.

"It's something I have always been interested in doing. The people who work there I have always known them. Being around in Aldeburgh it's a small community - you know everyone and it's just a nice place to work really," he said.

Stephen Fletcher, Lady Clare Euston and Rear Admiral Roy Clare (Image: Lucy Taylor) "One of the members of the (Aldeburgh) Yacht Club nominated me because I have been around there for a long time. I didn't know what to expect - I'm really happy. Mum's really happy - so is dad."

The awards ceremony was the second in a three-year run which started after maritime celebrations in East Anglia.

These were to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which involved a huge flotilla of craft gathering at Levington following a suggestion from Suffolk's Lord Lieutenant Lady Clare Euston.

EAMA was launched with the aim of encouraging more youngsters into the industry across Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk.

After the third year, EAMA will focus on its FitzRoy Bursary, which aims to help people into the industry with grants of up to £250. 

It is named after celebrated 19th century navigator and cartographer Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy from Suffolk - a relative of Lady Clare - who founded the shipping forecast to improve safety at sea.

During his eventful life, he captained HMS Beagle - the ship on board which Charles Darwin made his revolutionary discoveries about evolution -  and was founder of the Met Office.

EAMA chairman Rear Admiral Roy Clare said: "There has been a continuous shipping forecast and it was his idea.

"Fishing people were dying because they were being sent out by their (the boats') owners and there was no way of knowing what the weather was going to be.  All around the coast there are barometers named after him."

When Fitzroy took his own life in 1865, the shipping forecast was cancelled - but it was restored after an outcry.

Trustee Stephen Fletcher thanked the club for hosting the event and Maritime for sponsoring it.

Lady Clare said it was "a privilege" to be involved in the awards and to have played "a small part" in creating them.

"It's so exciting to see how far it's come on since those early conversations and to see so many wonderful young people receiving their awards," she said.

"We are a proud seafaring nation, and particularly in this part of the world. I just think these awards really underline the bravery and selflessness and marvellous imagination and hard work that go into it."

In second place at the EAMA awards event was Daisy Bell, who was praised for her dedication to the Woodbridge Sea Scouts as Akela.

Daisy Bell receiving her award (Image: Lucy Taylor) "Her years of tireless volunteering have transformed countless young lives, fostering a passion for maritime activities," judges said.

"Through her leadership, cubs have gained confidence, teamwork, and vital water skills, making Daisy a cornerstone of her community and a true inspiration."

Freya Nicklin came third after showing "true maritime grit and leadership" on a nine-day Duke of Edinburgh’s Award sailing expedition in challenging Force 6-8 winds when she helmed a 55-foot yacht for hours.

Freya Nicklin (Image: Lucy Taylor) Ellie Baker - who started working at Aldeburgh Yacht Club at the age of 19 - was fourth. She started in the beach café and six years later is an integral part of the club which supports 1600 members.

Ellie Baker (Image: Lucy Taylor) Georgie Stammer came fifth after showing "exceptional leadership" by steering the Royal Hospital School team to an historic victory at the RYA Women’s National Team Racing Championship. 

Other recipients included Lucas Owens - a member of Beccles and Lowestoft Sea Cadets who has become an Able Sea Cadet.

Lucas Owens (Image: Lucy Taylor) ​Josh Fisk joined Felixstowe Sea Cadets at age 10 and has embarked on a promising career as a marine engine apprentice at the Port of Felixstowe.

Joshua Fisk (Image: Lucy Taylor)  Three members of Fox’s Marina and Boatyard in Ipswich were also among the award-winners.

Charlie Wheeler started as an apprentice in the spray shop team and has become an important part of the team. Jaden Light has become a "highly skilled and capable" shipwright. Nikola Masce relocated from Croatia to join Fox’s rigging team and has become a trusted and respected member of the team.

Charlie Wheeler  (Image: Lucy Taylor) Nikola Masce (Image: Lucy Taylor) Jack Lennard was recognised for his achievements. A passion for sailing began at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club at age 11 sparking a career in the marine industry. He is now assistant harbour master at Suffolk Yacht Harbour.

Jack Lennard (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Billy Lund was singled out as "one to watch" in the traditional boat world. During six weeks on board the Excelsior, he proved "an outstanding leader, skilled helmsman, patient mentor, and steadfast crew member", said judges.

Billy (William) Lund (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stephen Fletcher, Lady Clare Euston and Rear Admiral Roy Clare (Image: Lucy Taylor)