Helston has been left reeling from the loss of a talented photographer and thoroughly "top bloke" who touched the hearts of all who met him.

Known for his gentle manner and generous nature, Keith Richards died in his sleep just after midnight on Sunday.

Keith was known by many in the town though his work as a photographer in the local newspaper industry for many years, originally as a freelancer for the Helston Packet before becoming a staff photographer for the West Briton.

In the last couple of years he had been back with the Packet, covering both news and regular sporting events, and had also been holding exhibitions of his work.

He received a cancer diagnosis earlier this year but was on the road to recovery and getting active again, making his sudden passing all the more shocking.

At the time of his death he had been happy and well, looking ahead to the future and even talking about starting work again.

In recent years Keith had found true love with his girlfriend, Elisabeth Hallam, who he had found a kindred spirit in.

She described his death as "a bolt out of the blue," saying: "I'm deeply shocked and devastated, words can't actually express my emotions. But I'm so touched and moved by the amount of tributes to my gorgeous man, though I'm not at all surprised because I always knew what a superstar he was.

"He gave me light, laughter, love and life and he will always be with me."

She added that they had spent a quiet evening at home on Saturday and had gone to bed as usual, where he died in her arms.

A fiercely private man, Keith kept a small circle of close friends, while remaining generous with his time to all.

A keen lover of nature, he took great joy in photographing flora and fauna. This was made easier when he moved from the town centre to a home with a garden, where he could regularly be found photographing the visiting wildlife, in particular birds.

He was inseparable from his beloved dog Kayna, who had been his constant companion for many years, and the pair could often be seen walking together through Helston's streets.

Those that knew Keith took pleasure from his incredibly dry wit, which was always accompanied by a deadpan expression but a cheeky glint in his eye.

His loss has been felt across the town, with a huge number of people writing their own tribute to Keith on social media.

Variously described as "a top bloke," "exceptionally talented photographer" and "the coolest man I have ever met," one person simply wrote: "Some people's light you just assume will shine forever, it's so bright, and he was one of those people."

Elisabeth added: "I've been deeply moved by everything everybody has written, and although nobody could have loved him more than I do, it's clear he was adored and respected by so, so many people; it's been overwhelming."