The Gorsedh Kernow has called on a Cornish bard jailed for child sex crimes to immediately resign his bardship, calling his crimes a "betrayal of the Cornish community". 

In a statement the organisation, which exisits to uphold the Celtic traditions of Cornwall and to honour men and women who have made outstanding contributions to Cornwall and its ancient culture, history and language, said that it is deeply distressed over the recent court case concerning Les Merton.

Merton, a 70-year-old from Redruth has been jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of a raft of offences against girls as young as seven.

The offences happened between 1983 and 2004, with Merton guilty of 16 indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child.

Called a paedophile with a "dark, sinister and depraved side" to his personality by Judge Christopher Clark, Merton, was also made the subject of a sexual offences order.

The statement from the Gorsedh Kernow added: “In addition to the expectations placed on citizens of this country, Bards are bound in honour by the Gorsedh Kernow constitution to show loyalty to Cornwall and to behave with respect and dignity in a manner befitting such an honour.

“We expect Mr Merton to acknowledge his betrayal of the Cornish community and immediately resign his Bardship, thereby avoiding the sad duty by the Grand Bard of writing to him to permanently and with immediate effect withdraw his Bardship.”