Two men who have served Helston unwaveringly over the last three decades have been thanked with town plaques.

This is the highest honour the town’s mayor can give and as Jonathan Radford-Gaby prepares to end his second term, and his time in office, he was only too happy to recognise the efforts of Helston’s fire station manager Keith Stringer and Fred Angove, one of his mace bearers.

Mr Angove has been in the role for 25 years, having been first appointed by councillor Ronnie Williams during one of his terms of office.

Falmouth Packet:

The mace bearers accompany the mayor at civic events such as the Freedom of the Town Parade.

Mr Radford-Gaby said: “When I dress in my ceremonial robes I need to have my ‘civic bodyguards’. They’re known as sergeants at mace.

“One of them has completed no less than 25 years service as a sergeant at mace and that really does deserve a great round of applause.”

Upon receiving his plaque, Mr Angove said: “It’s an honour for me to serve this town. I’ve been in Helston for over 60 years now.”

He thanked Mr Williams for first appointing him all those years ago.

The second plaque was presented to fireman Keith Stringer, who has been with the fire service for more than 30 years and as station manager for the last ten.

Mr Radford-Gaby said he had played an “essential part” in setting up the town’s Phoenix Project at the station, helping more than 700 young people build their confidence and self esteem through activities since 2002.

The station has worked with Helston Community College for the last decade and mentors up to 40 youngsters a month.

Last year he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the community and young people in Cornwall.