Retired former Falmouth Packet journalist Mike Truscott is celebrating another milestone in his burgeoning new life as an author with publication of his second local history book in aid of Cancer Research UK.

In Twenty Local Stories That Made National Headlines, Mike again draws on his wealth of local historical knowledge and lifetime’s work of writing about the area’s most notable events and characters.

He has selected 20 true local stories from over the past two centuries that reached a national, and occasionally international, audience. As well as the main theme, the limited-edition print is liberally sprinkled with miscellaneous historical asides.

In addition to better-known material, Mike’s stories include the man who “died twice,” the former Penryn pirate’s “joke” that wiped out his family and the Pythonesque would-be lone sailor who was big news for not succeeding.

He also recalls a Mylor murder mystery that remains unsolved despite a massive police hunt, Britain’s last trial for cannibalism at sea, and the great 19th century High Street inferno that helped dub the town “Fiery Falmouth.”

As bonus, there is a special nostalgic chapter by guest writer David Mudd, renowned author, journalist, broadcaster, historian and former Falmouth MP.

Mike has personally covered seven of his selected stories, but adds: “I have found many more fascinating real-life tales from before my time after combing through other local history books and old newspapers.

“In my research, I have unearthed some intriguing, scarcely credible local events that I was not even aware of – together with fascinating ‘new’ details to add to the appeal of better-known tales.”

He has now written and published six books, all sponsored by himself and his wife Janet, since his retirement in 2014.

They expect sales of the latest publication to take the total they have raised for Cancer Research from the books and, latterly, Mike’s paintings, to more than £8,000.

* Twenty Local Stories That Made National Headlines is on sale now only at the Cancer Research UK shop in Market Street, Falmouth (mail order: 01326 212905).