As chairman of Helston Flora Day stewards and a long-standing former business owner he is a well-known figure in the town.

Now John Eddy has been honoured for the work he has given to Helston with a town plaque, at a surprise presentation by mayor Mike Thomas in front of the town council last Thursday.

Mr Thomas said: “The Helston town plaque has been used for many years to show great respect to people who have given their town important service in the local community. John Eddy is well known for that.

“It’s a great honour to be mayor in presenting to you, Mr Flora Day – as many people know you – a town plaque that I’m sure you will honour and respect as a proud Helstonian.”

Mr Eddy, who had been expecting to attend a Rotary club meeting that evening, said: “This has come as an absolute, complete surprise. As a Helstonian this has made me very proud.

“Thank you all very much, this is greatly appreciated.”

Mr Eddy was a hugely familiar face running Eddy & Son in Meneage Street, which was in the family for 145 years, selling toys and home decorating supplies in Meneage Street with his late brother Donald until they were forced to shut up shop in 2007 due to their increasing age and declining health.

He told the council that the plaque presentation took place exactly nine years to the day of the shop closing.

“I only wish that Donald was here with me today,” he said of his late brother, who died in 2010.

Mr Eddy, who became a Flora Day steward in 1974 and took on the chairman’s role in 2008, thanked his wife Nanette, who was in on the surprise and accompanied him to the presentation.

He said he, quite literally, “couldn’t have done it without Nan’s support,” adding: “I have one of Nan’s kidney’s that’s keeping me going.”