Packet readers have been thanked for their role in helping save round-the-clock cover at Falmouth coastguard station.

Readers and the local community really got behind the Packet’s campaign to “Save Our Station” resulting in 7,459 people, the equivalent of a quarter of the town's population, added their name to our petition.

This was handed over in Westminster by Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth.

Today’s news that the government has reversed its decision to downgrade Falmouth’s Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre to opening daylight hours only, meaning it will retain 24-hour cover, marks a victory for readers that has been acknowledged by the coastguards.

Martin Bidmead, watch officer at Falmouth and Public & Commercial Services Union rep, said: “A big thank you from all the staff at the coastguards for the support and petition the Packet organised.

“Many people, both locally and further afield, have supported use with documents for the consultation, for the first proposal, which have obviously been listened to.

“Without that support I think our position might not have been so secure.”