It is an honour bestowed on only a rare few in the history of Helston, but former deputy mayor Mark Upton has now joined those who have had an area of the town named after them.

He now ranks alongside the likes of Helston inventor Henry Trengrouse, boxing champion Bob Fitzsimmons and mayor Francis Henry Cunnack, following the opening of Upton Ope off Coinagehall Street.

Formerly known as Peacocks Lane, the stretch was renamed following a vote in which the public were asked to put forward suggestions on what to call it once renovation work had been completed.

Naming it in memory of Mark, who did so much for the town before his death from cancer last October - not only through his town council work but as chairman of the Epworth Hall and the lead in a large number of community events - was declared the most popular.

A small ceremony has now taken place at the ope to mark its new name, with invited guests including Mark's husband Gary Hunt.

Gary said: "I never thought that they would name anything after Mark. It's a bit surreal really - he would have been gobsmacked.

"I'm just so proud, just to think that 27 years ago when we moved to Helston, not even knowing anyone, that something like that would happen; it's quite something.

"It brings home somehow what he has achieved. It doesn't happen to many people."

Joining the celebration from Praa Sands were Mark's parents, Sheila and Charles. Happily, his mum Sheila was able to see the honour bestowed on her son before her sad death, last week.

Also at the opening were mayor Gillian Geer and her consort, husband Jonathan, a number of town councillors and Freeman of the town Ivor Perry.

Mrs Geer said a few words about Mark and the renaming of the ope, before the group had tea and cake in the mayor's parlour at the Guildhall.