The 17-year-old lifeboat volunteer was chosen at the last minute to be part of an RNLI team providing safety cover during the Paralympic sailing events.

Henry, the son of Exmouth RNLI coxswain Tim Mock, is helping man an Atlantic 75 lifeboat in Portland harbour.

Bicton College student Henry said: “When I sat watching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, little did I think I would be playing a part in providing safety cover for the Paralympic sailing events at Weymouth and Portland.

“I am thrilled and excited to have been afforded this once-in-a-lifetime, awesome opportunity.”

Henry, who is currently studying for a Level 3 National Diploma in Land-based Technology at Bicton College, joined Exmouth RNLI in December 2011 as shore crew, launching and recovering the all-weather lifeboat.

He became one of the youngest head launchers for the sea safety charity and is currently undergoing crew training.

Henry is the third Exmouth RNLI volunteer to play a part in the London 2012 Olympic Games on behalf of the life-saving at sea charity.

Lifeboat medical adviser Dr Peter Aitken provided an intensive 10-day safety cover on ‘Water Med 1’ during sailing events in July and August.

In May, volunteer deputy coxswain Steve Hockings-Thompson ran through the streets of Torbay as an Olympic torch-bearer, when he was nominated for his work with the RNLI.

Former Exmouth RNLI second deputy coxswain Giles White, a firefighter, manned the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s fireboat, Vigiles, during the London 2012 sailing events.