There was standing room only at Treswithian Downs Crematorium on Tuesday for the funeral of Helston photographer Keith Richards, who died unexpectedly last month at the age of 57.

Friends from all stages of Keith's life and family including his sister Anita sat side by side in one room to remember the man who was by turn a talented photographer, loyal friend and brother, and caring partner.

Those gathered were reminded that in their grief, Keith would want them to be thankful for the time they had spent together, rather than mourn his loss.

Stories were told from his childhood growing up at Porkellis, as a schoolboy at Helston Grammar School, exploits from his time living and working in London with friends during the 1980s and his return to Cornwall, where he began a series of evening classes in German, creative writing and what was to shape his future path: photography.

It was this that started his career as news photographer for both the Packet and West Briton, before he also branched out into commercial and art photography, holding exhibitions of his work inspired by his beloved Cornish countryside and its wildlife.

The words were set to a typically eclectic backing track of Keith's favourite songs and those that had meaning to his family.

He entered to The Smiths' This Charming Man, with Never Gonna Let You Go by Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart chosen by his partner Elis Hallam to play.

Other pieces were one of Keith's favourites, Eels by The Handsome Family and mourners exited to Smash It Up by The Damned, Keith's favourite band who he had seen perform live on some 40 occasions.

Elis gave a moving personal tribute to Keith, who she had met when he took her photograph while she decorated the Cornish Candy Shoppe on the eve of Flora Day - although she admitted to having admired him from afar for many years before that. They quickly became an item and soon realised they were soulmates with a shared love of tea and leaping.

The service was led by Clive Triolaire, with Paul Finbow, Andrew Lyne, Duncan Lyne and Paul Ziemacki as bearers. Donations were taken in aid of Crohn's and Colitis UK, Cancer Research UK and the Dogs Trust, and can still be made via Pendle Funeral Services.