Hundreds poured into Camborne town council chambers last weekend to pay tribute to respected mayor Cyril Waterhouse who died suddenly earlier this month.

Over 200 people attended the civil celebration of Cyril's life at a ceremony held in the Basset Centre on Saturday.

His widow Freda said: "It was absolutely amazing. I don't think that Cyril could have written the script better himself."

Figures from all areas of local politics in which Cyril had been so active over the past seven years attended, including the chairmen of Kerrier district and Cornwall county councils, together with people from all walks of life whose spirit had been touched by Cyril.

There were personal tributes from Dr Linnea Glynne-Rule and Councillor Anna Bunt, as well as family tributes by Cyril's three sons, Scot, Alec and Andrew, with the final words going to Freda who read a poem which was adapted by David Harkins (see panel).

The celebration then moved to Tricky Dickies in Redruth, where family and friends drank to the sounds of Cyril's favourite music, jazz.

Also last week Freda addressed Camborne town council, and offered to contribute funds to keep the town clock going, a particular love of Cyril's, whilst the council decided what they were going to do about it.