There was an international flavour to this year’s mayor-making ceremony in Helston, which included no less than four languages: English, Cornish, Welsh and Italian.

Representatives of Helston’s Italian twin town of Sasso Marconi in Bologna, including its mayor Stefano Mazzetti, were among those gathered to see John Martin take up the chains of office.

In Italian, Mr Martin welcomed them to the ceremony, saying he hoped they enjoyed their stay and he looked forward to a return visit in October to celebrate five years of friendship. He also gave thanks in his native Welsh and in Cornish.

During his first speech as mayor, Mr Martin announced that he would be supporting two charities in the coming civic year: The Mustard Seed and Kosel Dementia Trust.

He said: “There are some individuals and families in our town who are struggling to get by. Our aim should be to give a voice to those who are the most needy and offer them hope for the future.”

Mr Martin paid tribute to his predecessor, Gillian Geer, saying: “She has led with dignity and clarity, and with a cheerful and positive approach as chair to our town council. Gillian has also established the respect of the wider Cornish community as a wonderful ambassador for Helston. She has instilled an energy and a focus to improve the future of our town for its residents, its businesses and our visitors too.”

He vowed to carry this forward, adding: “I will strive to achieve the same respect and encourage the members and the larger community to get involved as much as they are able.”

Similar thanks were given to the “exceptional” office team at the Guildhall.

Mr Martin highlighted both the new Helston Community Interest Company and the £24 million investment into Goonhilly Earth Station, announced earlier this week, as good news for the area.

He added that with Coronation Lake being passed to the “very capable hands” of the South Kerrier Alliance he predicted there would be “exciting things happening.”

With the recent news that The Coronation Boating Lake is now in the very capable hands of The South Kerrier Alliance. we will soon be seeing exciting things happening down there.

He concluded by saying he was “deeply honoured” to be elected as town mayor.

I am heartened by the proposed initiative to form a Community Interest Company which will involve all areas of our community and, with the support of the town council, I believe will develop good ideas to enhance Helston’s future.

It should be re-stated that the town council members are here in a voluntary capacity and I have every confidence that every one of them has the success of Helston at the forefront of their hearts and minds. I am intent on leading them with the same enthusiasm and commitment as Gillian. Carrying forward her initiatives for town.

I have represented Gillian as Deputy Mayor at several civic events these past two years and I have recognised how well respected she is and indeed how well respected our town council is within Cornwall.

I must take this opportunity to say how proud of our town I was on Flora Day. What a wonderful day we all had. I’d like to thank, with all my heart, all those involved in organising such an important day in Helston’s calendar. Wasn’t the band magnificent.

“I am looking forward to working alongside you all and in particular with Tim Grattan-Kane as deputy mayor – he is a good friend and a hard working gentleman with Helston in his blood and with a love of good music,” he added.

He is involved with organising the Hellys International Guitar Festival In August Tickets are still available. along with developing other event ideas for the town.

And come and join us for the Royal Wedding Party on the 19th this Saturday. Thank you Councillor Nicola Boase for your hard work and your lead on that.

The recent investment at Goonhilly, another 24 million announced last night, will no doubt improve job opportunities and place our peninsular at the forefront of Satellite and Communication Technologies.

…. Fabulous news.

I’ll conclude now by expressing my sincere gratitude to the members for electing me as mayor of this great town. I am deeply deeply honoured.