HISTORIC lifeboats returned home to Merseyside ahead of the opening of a museum devoted to the lifesaving efforts of RNLI volunteers.

The 110-year-old Chapman and the Thomas Corbett, which dates from 1948, will become prime exhibits in Hoylake Lifeboat Museum, which is being developed in the former RNLI station on the town’s promenade.

Chapman served on Hilbre Island until 1939, when she was retired from lifeboat duties.

Built in Cowes, the Thomas Corbett was a Hoylake lifeboat in the 1970s but left 37 years ago to continue service in Ireland.

Lifeboat enthusiast and businessman John Parr, who spearheaded the campaign to open the museum, spent £25,000 on restoring Chapman after he discovered her lying derelict on the shores of the Ribble in 1998.

He tracked the Thomas Corbett to County Waterford, Ireland, and plans to restore the boat in Hoylake.

The museum is due to open later this summer after a long-running battle by campaigners to use the building, formerly owned by developer Peel.

The RNLI moved out of the station in November, 2008, after 110 years, to a custom-built lifeboat station nearby.

Mr Parr, 57, said he “felt butterflies” to see the lifeboats being craned into position yesterday.

He said: “I feel a great sense of pride and there is also a tremendous feeling of gratitude that so many people rallied round us.