A charity book by a Porthleven couple celebrating the fishing industry has sold out in less than eight weeks, raising £24,000 in the process.

This week it was confirmed that a reprint of Salt of the Earth had now been ordered, after more than 1,200 copies were sold since its release in November.

The book, the third work of its kind from photographers David and Jan Penprase, who have achieved success in the past through Harbour To Harbour and the sequel Harbour 2 Harbour, documenting the characters around Porthleven.

This time around they chose the fishermen and people of Newlyn, with the book sold in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission.

Julian Waring, centre manager of the Newlyn mission, said: “The book has really lifted spirits in Newlyn. All those pictured are delighted with the quality, the fact that they are in a book and it highlights the realities of a hard working industry, fishing.

“As a small charity that’s reliant on donations, this is such a boost for us in many ways, importantly we can help more Cornish fishing families active and retired.”

The popularity of the book has reached the far edges of the UK and beyond, with more than 200 sold online through the Fishermen's Mission website and sent to such places as Australia, America, France and Ireland.

Many shops, restaurants, hotels and newsagents from Mousehole to Truro have agreed to sell the books without charge.

David and Jan said: “The huge effort to photograph and arrange sessions at all times of the day, compile the biographies, the travelling etc has all been worthwhile as the level of happiness, humour and kindness shown has been overwhelming.

“To witness huge sales like this has been far beyond our expectations and we are delighted that the book has been so well received. We are absolutely thrilled there is to be a reprint.”