The son of a Falmouth pub landlord who grew up to become the voice of gymnastics on the BBC and head coach to the Dutch Olympic gymnastics squad has died aged 70.

Mitch Fenner, who first commentated on gymnastics for the BBC in 1979 and covered every Olympics from 1984, had been seriously ill with cancer before his death.

He had worked as a coach for the British Olympic team before becoming a consultant to the Dutch squad in 2010, taking over the head coach role two years later and helping the team reach this year's finals in Rio.

Mitch was the son of Bill Fenner, the landlord of the Ships and Castles pub in Falmouth, and many took to Falmouth to remember his younger days in the bar or showing off his gymnastic skills.

Later in life he resurrected his connections with Falmouth, starting a band with several old friends.

British gymnast Louis Smith paid tribute to Mitch online, tweeting: "Truly saddened to hear of Mitch Fenner passing. I grew up hearing his commentary in gymnastics. He was such a good friend. I will miss you."

On Facebook, Paul Barnicoat wrote: "Those of us of a similar age will remember Mitch as a good friend from our school years in Falmouth.

Apart from his obvious interest in gymnastics, Mitch was a good snooker player and could often be found up above Burtons after school. I also remember enjoyable times being spent in this lounge above the main bar of the Ship, where Mitch would play his guitar. Happy days."

Patricia Brenchley added: "Clive 'Dickie' Thomas is saddened to hear about Mitch. He remembers watching him walk along the full length of the bar - on his hands."