The "disgraceful" state of Porthleven Cemetery has come under fire from residents, with one saying he was "totally shocked" by what he discovered.

Steven Groom posted on Facebook deploring the poor maintenance of the land, where the grass has been left to grow long and weeds are sprouting, including over the graves themselves.

Others have described the cemetery as a "jungle" and questioned why nothing was being done.

Mr Groom's original posting read: "I wish to make the people of Porthleven aware of the disgraceful state of Porthleven Cemetery.

"I have lived in, and been associated with, Porthleven for over 40 years and can honestly say that I have never seen it so poorly maintained.

"Surely Cornwall Council has a responsibility to maintain all cemeteries in good condition and to not do so is a total lack of respect for our dearly departed.

"I can honestly say it totally shocked when visiting my mothers grave this evening."

It has since attracted almost 90 responses from people equally upset, with Nat Miners Farley describing it as "like a jungle" and Andrea Shannon agreeing: "I went recently and was saddened by the state of it."

Mr Groom later added: "British war graves overseas are looked after better than the ones in Helston/Porthleven."

It prompted one resident, Hannah Betts, to suggest the port tackle it themselves. She wrote: "Everyone knows someone in that graveyard whether it's a friend, family or the people who helped make and build the village. Let's get together once a month, petrol strimmer and mini pitchforks at the ready.

"I know it's the council responsibility but like everyone saying there are cuts and it's only going to get worse, so in between the council cuts can't we help keep the upkeep in the village - after all, it is our extended garden?"

While many were quick to offer their support for this, others questioned what they were paying council tax for.

Cornwall Councillor Andrew Wallis, who is also deputy mayor of Porthleven, said: "The sad fact is the grant given to the [Cornwall] council by the government has been heavily cut - £150 million between 2010 and 2014 and another £160 million now or over the 2015/18 budget period. This means less services."

Despite this he added: "In the case of the graveyard I am unhappy too. I contacted the portfolio holder this service comes under to complain about the state of the area in question three weeks ago, and grass was cut. However it is not acceptable to leave this areas in a poor state of maintenance. I will raise this issue again."

He also said that "we can all do our bit to help" and urged people to join the newly reformed Pride in Porthleven group, nicknamed PIP.

Members used to meet once a month to tidy up areas of Porthleven, but numbers dwindled. Now Mr Wallis and mayor Barbara Powell have relaunched the group and details over clean ups will be added to its Facebook page 'Pride in Porthleven - PIP'.