Two town councillors in Falmouth attended every single meeting of the last civic year, according to figures released by the council, while none of their Penryn counterparts managed a 100 per cent record.

New Falmouth mayor Grenville Chappel was present for every single meeting he was required to attend last year, as was Councillor Trish Minson.

Meanwhile in Penryn Councillor Beverly Hulme sat at the most meetings with 96 per cent, missing only one of the 26 she was expected to attend.

Mrs Hulme was one of three Penryn Councillors to attend 90 per cent or more of their expected meetings, along with the mayor Mark Snowdon, with 92 per cent, and Councillor Rich Mitchell with 90 per cent. Just under 70 per cent of councillors, 11 out of 16, attended more than 70 per cent of their meetings.

In Falmouth, Councillors Diana Merrett and David Saunby both attended more than 90 per cent of meetings, with 91 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. Just over 80 per cent, or 13 out of 16, attended more than 70 per cent of meetings.

Four councillors in Penryn were at less than 50 per cent of their meetings, including Nick Ferris who made 32 per cent, or eight out of an expected 25, and Keven Green who made 33 per cent, or nine out of 27.

Councillors Ted Wilkes and Glanville Rickard were absent for long periods due to bad health, attending 43 per cent and 27 per cent respectively.

The statistics relate to formally convened meetings of the town councils and their committees. All councillors are expected to attend full council meetings, but others will have more committees to attend than others.

Councillors may also attend many other meetings and functions over the course of a month, as well as sitting in on committees of which they are not a member.

Mr Chappell said he thought the figures were "very good."

He said: "Those that have been absent have always had good reasons. There's been no no-shows and no excuses, although we have had holidays and sickness. But I have been very pleased with them over all, they have been very good."

Mr Snowdon said some of the figures were "disappointing."

He said: "In my view if you put yourself forward to be a councillor you should make every effort to attend meetings and civic events. I feel it's very important that the people you represent see you on a regular basis attending meetings and functions and being committed to the town's business.

"Many councillors are very busy in their own lives but still do a great job for Penryn attending most things and it makes all the difference to me when I'm attending civic functions as mayor and I see some of our councillors there with me.

"It's up to individual councillors to make a decision on how much commitment they give to the town, nobody is anyone's boss. Maybe a few people that think they would be better and perhaps be more committed should put themselves forward for next year's local election. As it could all change anyway next year."

The full attendance figures were as follows:

Falmouth Town Council: Candy Atherton (also Cornwall Councillor), 24/27, 89%; John Body, 25/32, 78%; Rowenna Brock, 40/46, 87%; Grenville Chappell, 36/36, 100%; Oliver Cramp, 29/36, 81%; Maureen Davies, 29/37, 78%, Steve Eva, 11/21, 52%; Vicky Eva, 28/41, 68%; Geoffrey Evans (also Cornwall Councillor), 15/27, 56%; Steve Gray, 41/46, 89%; Alan Jewell (also Cornwall Councillor), 31/36, 86%; Matthew McCarthy, 14/17, 82%; Diana Merrett, 42/46, 91%; Trish Minson, 27/27, 100%; Brod Ross, 19/22, 86%; David Saunby (also Cornwall Councillor), 21/22, 95%.

Penryn Town Council: Vicky Bennett, 18/25, 72%; Nick Ferris, 8/25, 32%; David Garwood, 18/26, 69%; Gill Grant, 29/37, 78%; Keven Green, 9/27, 33%; Beverly Hulme, 25/26, 96%; John Langan, 25/35, 74%; Mary May (also Cornwall Councillor), 28/34, 82%; Rich Mitchell, 27/30, 90%; Martin Mullins, 26/30, 87%; Shelley Peters, 22/31, 71%; Glanville Rickard, 6/22, 27%; Chris Smith, 20/26, 77%; Mark Snowdon, 35/38, 92%; Chaz Wenmoth, 22/29, 76%; Ted Wilkes, 13/30, 43%.