They have spent a combined century working for the benefit of Helston and now two of the town's most dedicated residents have been awarded its highest honour.

John Eddy and Dr Ken Whittle have been made Honorary Freemen of Helston by the town council, in a ceremony at the Guildhall this morning.

Historically the term meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord, but had the right to earn money and own their own land - thereby a 'free man'.

Nowadays it is more a recognition of the services given to the town over a person's lifetime.

Only 40 people have been given the honour in the 185 years, since records began in 1835.

Mr Eddy, who has been a steward of the Flora Day Association for the last 46 years and chairman since 2007, said it was with "huge pride" he accepted the honour.

He told the Packet: "Being an Helstonian it means so much to me. I've always been proud to be an Helstonian but to get this is more than I could have expected."

Mr Eddy was invited to become a steward of Flora Day by Edward Cunnack in 1974 and became chairman in 2007.

He is also a well known businessman, having run Eddy & Son home decorating, art supplies and toy shop in Meneage Street with his late brother Donald for 50 years up to its closure in 2007. The family business had been in the town since 1862.

He was even born in the town, at the cottage hospital, and has been a member of Helston Rotary Club for 26 years, serving as president in 2001 and treasurer between 2008 and 2013, then assistant treasurer until 2018.

In 1970 he was a founding member of the Helston fundraising branch for the RNLI and was honorary secretary for ten years, being awarded a statuette for his contribution to lifeboat service.

Dr Whittle said it was a "real surprise" when he was was contacted by the council, saying: "I couldn't believe it. I'm very honoured.

"When [town clerk] Chris Dawson rang me I thought, 'Has he got the right man here? Are you sure?' It's a wonderful thing."

Ken moved to Helston with his wife Penny and their young children in 1971, with Ken becoming a GP partner at Helston Medical Centre with Dr Michael and Partners, working in Porthleven.

He also carried out minor surgery and casualty work at Helston Community Hospital where, in 1997, Ken was closely involved in the successful campaign to prevent its closure.

Between 1998 and 2003 Ken was a locum GP throughout West Cornwall and then became a partner at the Phoenix Surgery, Camborne until his retirement in 2008.

Since then he has kept his hand in the profession by becoming president of the League of Friends of Helston Community Hospital in 2009, a position he retains today.