They are synonymous with Flora Day and thanks to the efforts of Helston-Lizard Rotary Club the town’s white washed walls were a source of pride not shame as the town celebrated its big day.

One man in particular has spearheaded the project from the start, after announcing at last year’s midday dance practice his vision for the walls to be restored and painted in time for the following year’s event.

John Head said this week: “This time last year, at a meeting of the Flora Day stewards, a letter was read out from Cornwall Council stating that once again there was no money available to repair and paint many of Helston’s town walls.

“In a fit of semi controlled anger and frustration I vowed that I would get the job done and now 12 months later the work has been completed.”

He thanked in particular the “indefatigable” Chris Dale, who has overseen the whole project and not missed a single weekend stint.

Over four weekends members – and five non-member volunteers – could be seen at various locations in the town scraping away peeling paint, repairing the damage and then white washing the walls, before topping them off with the black crowning.

It is estimated that in total 600 man hours have been put into restoring the walls at St Johns Bridge, Penhellaz Hill, The Tubban, Meneage Road and around Coronation Lake.

Describing it as a “fantastic achievement,” secretary Steve Ford also thanked Mr P Pearce for the use of his yard, electricity and water at St Johns, RGB Builders Merchants for supplying materials, John and Jane Leach of the Lakeside Café for coffee and Sarah Payne of the Lyndale Cottage Guest House, Meneage Road for bacon butties on a cold, damp Sunday morning.

“This has proved to be an excellent community project for the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard which has galvanised members and brought many positive comments from residents of the town who have taken time to stop and chat whilst we have been working,” he added.

Mr Head had approached the club last autumn asking for their help in raising the necessary money.

This was done through a fundraising evening of talk and music at Flambards’ Kingsford Venue, as well as donations from Cornwall Councillor Judith Haycock and former councillor Alec Robertson.