A guard of honour was formed by Helston’s firefighters when they paid tribute to a man who dedicated much of his life to helping the town.

A funeral service has been held for Roger Johns, a retained fireman in Helston for 33 years and the town’s former station officer.

Mr Johns died in hospital on March 13, at the age of 67, after two years bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease.

He was able to plan his own funeral, which took place at St Michael’s Church where Mr Johns had been churchwarden and had worshipped at for many years, along with his wife Janice.

The service, led by Canon David Miller, included a tribute from son-in-law Nathan Harvey, a poem by his other son-in-law Richard Woods and a Bible reading from brother-in-law John Eddy.

Also speaking was Rev Dr Christopher Newell, the vicar of St Goran Parish Church where Mr and Mrs Johns had attended since moving to Portmellon, near Mevagissey, in 2009.

Mourners were asked to wear red and white in recognition of Mr Johns’ lifelong love of Arsenal football club.

Bearers included John Hubbard, who had been a fireman alongside Mr Johns, and town councillor Ronnie Williams who had been fire station officer during much of his time with the service and who Mr Johns had taken over from.

Other bearers were friends Derek Summers and Richard Bonner, Michael Orchard who Mr Johns used to play football with and Dave Young, a fellow member of Helston Royal British Legion’s snooker team.

Mr Johns was born near Godolphin and grew up in Porthleven, living in the Bickford Smith Institute for a while where his parents were caretakers. It was here that he learned snooker, as soon as he could reach the table, and played throughout his life.

He moved to Helston when he married Janice in 1970. They had met at the Basement Youth Club, started by the then vicar of Helston in the basement of the old vicarage in Cross Street.

He was inspired to join the fire service by Janice’s dad Ken Pascoe, who he often saw leaving on shouts.

Mrs Johns said: “I think he got the adrenaline rush and saw the excitement.

“He absolutely loved it. He was that kind of person, to help people.”

A carpenter and builder by trade, he worked for a number of firms and ran his own business for a time. His last job before retirement was as building manager at Flambards.

He also worked as an occupational therapist, based out of Truro, completing jobs for people who needed support.

In his youth Mr Johns played football for Helston, Porthleven and Ashton.

Mr Johns is survived by his brother Mike in Porthleven, wife Janice, their two daughters Vicky and Sally and five grandchildren.

Mrs Johns said her husband remained courageous to the end, adding: “Motor Neurone disease is a really horrid disease and he was so brave. He never complained.

“He was a very, very caring man and he’s left his mark on lots of different places. It’s just a shame he was taken so early.”