People are invited to line the streets of Helston this Thursday to say a final well to a much-loved vegetable and egg seller.

Raymond Arthur's stall, in his garden opposite Coronation Park boating lake, was beloved by people across the town and even further afield.

He ran the business from a shed in his front garden for more than 20 years, in a traditional way, with an honesty box and expectation of trust, in heartwarming contrast to an increasingly cynical modern world.

And customers would come not just for the freshness of the produce but also for a chat with Raymond, who had a smile for everyone.

When news of his death was announced there was an outpouring of tributes and memories from people on social media.

Raymond died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital on Saturday, February 26, aged 89.

A funeral cortege will now head through Helston on Thursday, with the hearse and two funeral cars travelling doing Meneage Street and through Coinagehall Street, to be at the Central Methodist Church for 11am.

The service will be followed by interment at Helston Cemetery. Anyone wishing to can send flowers or alternatively donations, for the Mustard Seed (Helston & Lizard Foodbank) and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, by retiring collection or care of David Hendry Funeral Services at Treswithian, Camborne.

Raymond also sold eggs from his popular stall

Raymond also sold eggs from his popular stall

Raymond was born and grew up in the Leedstown area. He married the late Gwen Smitham and they lived at Trebarvah Farm, Seworgan. He also worked at Jose Collins Agricultural Stores and then later their auction rooms.

The couple had two daughters, Jeanette and Lynne, and moved to Park View Road in Helston in 1989. Raymond started the veg and egg stall nine years later, in 1998, following the death of Gwen.

Lynne said: "He was proud of the produce and eggs and enjoyed meeting his customers. Customers soon became friends and many made a point of getting their veg and eggs from him, just to hear his cheery voice.

"He would always welcome children and make a point of talking to them."

She said the family had been told by numerous people how Raymond had helped them through difficult times, by spending time to listen and encourage.

"He had an infectious appetite for life and family," she said, adding that the family had been "overwhelmed and comforted" by the many messages they had received.

For several years he sold teas and saffron buns on Flora Day from a shed in his garden, as well as inviting others to sell goods, and in later years Raymond Amusements (no relation) from Zelah would bring children's rides to set up in the front garden.