A man from Falmouth and a woman from Coverack met the Bishop of Truro on Sunday as they were among 22 people to receive the Cross of St Piran.

Geoffrey Maynard and Verna Tripconey joined award winners from across the Diocese of Truro to be rewarded for services to their church and wider community during the annual service at St Piran’ s Church in Perranzabuloe.

The church was filled to capacity during two services, and Bishop of Truro the right reverend Tim Thornton said: “This is a really wonderful event where we get to say thank you to God for so many extra ordinary people. These services are about saying thank God for them and that we notice what they have done quietly behind the scenes.

“They often protest that they could only do what they can do because of the people around them. However much they protest, they have and continue to inspire others to see Jesus at work in our world. We should not be afraid to stand up for what we believe. It’ s quite right that we should say thank you to them for what they do and go on doing.”

Geoffrey was nominated by Father Stephen Drakeley from All Saints Church for lifelong support of the church, missing only three midnight mass services in almost nine decades of attendance - and that was because he was called up for army service in 1946.

Now 90, he has attended All Saints since he was aged two in 1928. Starting off as a boat boy or junior altar server, he was confirmed in the church at the age of 14, and went on to be an altar server for 20 years and served on the PCC for 14 years.

Upon receiving the nomination, Geoffrey said it was a “great surprise” and an “absolute honour” to receive the award.

Verna Tripconey, from Ponsongath near Coverack, was nominated for her volunteer work with the East Lizard Helpline, which she has been involved with since it was set up 22 years ago.

The helpline provides transport to and from hospital, dentist, doctor or other medical appointments, and occasional practical support such with shopping, prescription delivery and form filling, and Verna said she was accepting the award on behalf of all the volunteers.

She said: "It’s very rewarding and I think I get a lot out of it. The people we help are just so grateful."