The funeral of a well known local historian who wrote five books on the history of Penryn will be held today at the town's Methodist Church.

Ernie Warmington, 80, was born at a house on the Terrace and raised in Penryn, before studies at Falmouth Technical College and an engineering apprenticeship at Falmouth Docks led to him steaming away on the tanker British Hope, leading to seven years travelling the world with the New Zealand shipping company.

He returned, and married a Camborne girl Rosemary in 1963, settling in Redruth and working as an engineer for the GPO for 35 years, until his retirement.

Ernie is fondly remembered by many in his home town for his volunteer work at the Penryn Museum, as well as the five books of historic photographs of the town, the last of which was published earlier this year.

He started writing the books as a way of raising funds for Cancer Research, following a request from his brother who suffered from and later died of the disease, and as a keen antiquarian he drew on his vast collection of old postcards and photographs. Earlier this year he even stated he thought he had enough material for at least two more.

Councillor Chaz Wenmoth, who knew Ernie through the museum, where he volunteered, said: "He had a fantastic number of artefacts and things, and they are in his books. His post card and photograph collection must be huge.

"He had a great memory for who was who, and what used to be where. He was a one man Wikipedia, as far as Penryn was concerned. That was his real enjoyment in life."

His widow, Rosemarie, said the couple had travelled a great deal, from China to Russia to Canada, as well as taking part in the London to Brighton vintage car rally on at least seven occasions.

Vintage car enthusiast Ernie, who was a founder member of the Kernow Old Vehicle Club , enjoyed most the years he and his wife travelled the rout in his 1903 De-Dion Bouton.

He was also involved with many clubs and societies within the town, including 50 years with the Penryn Freemasons at the Three Grand Principles Lodge.

Rosemarie said Ernie "lived life to the full," and added: "I shall miss him terribly."

Speaking to the Packet in August, Ernie had said there was "a little bit of Penryn waiting for me near St Gluvias."

Ernie Warmington's funeral will take place at Penryn Methodist Church at 1pm on Wednesday, December 23, followed by burial at St Gluvias Church.