Helston MP to reprise Flora role

3:30pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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Helston MP Andrew George will once again be dusting off his millstone to portray the Cornish Saint St Piran during tomorrow's Flora Day celebrations.

St Piran, which is a new character introduced last year, is in the early morning Hal-an-Tow pageant which performs throughout the town, driving out evil spirits.

The Furry festivities traditionally feature the battle between good and evil including St Michael - Helston's own Saint - "who fought the fiend of all mankind the foe."

Mr George, who will be carrying the granite millstone on which the saint is said to have miraculously "sailed" from Ireland on, said: "Many people believe that it is an MP's responsibility to take on the burdens of their constituents. I didn't realise until now that in Helston they have taken it so literally!"

Mr George has taken part in the Hal-an-Tow since 1977, when he was one of the Spanish sailors at Helston School. For nearly 20 years he performed the role of the "drummer," which was introduced in 1983, and for four years he played the role of St George.

He will also be taking part in the midday dance with his St Ives born wife, Jill. This is a traditional honour for the local MP.