For quarter of a century the Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Association has helped protect the Helford River and its marine life.

Now its members have celebrated 25 years at their annual general meeting on Saturday.

Roughly 100 people packed into Gweek Village Hall to see underwater photographer and marine biologist Paul Naylor cut the anniversary cake and hear him give a talk called Intrigue and Colour in the Helford, using slides of his own photographs of the creatures that live in the estuary.

Mr Naylor is author of the book Great British Marine Animals, currently in its third edition, and sales of the book at the meeting included a donation to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

The Helford River was officially recognised for its wide range of marine wildlife in 1987, when the Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area was designated to help protect it.

Since then the conservation group has been running a programme of events to ensure people of all ages and abilities can explore and learn more about the area. Activities include seashore safaris, wildflower walks, photography days and conservation cruises.

For full details of the work of the Helford Marine Conservation Group, including membership details, log on to their website: www.helfordmarineconservation.co.uk