CORNISH rugby supporters have been rejoicing over their side’s fourth County Championship success.

Sunday’s victory over Lancashire was watched by a strong contingent of fans inside Twickenham, who heavily outnumbered the support for the Red Rose team.

They raised the stadium's roof with their singing, which included a chant of "I'd rather eat a pasty than a hot pot".

Ben Gilby, a proud Cornishman who now lives in London and is member of London Cornish RFC, said the win was “richly deserved” for the team and after recent events in his life, an achievement he was delighted to witness.

Gilby said: “It is a true privilege to be part of the incredible bond between team and supporters of the Cornwall side.

“It was particularly emotional for me, as I am on a personal rollercoaster, recovering from testicular cancer and all the trials and tribulations that comes with it.

“The incredible warmth, support and encouragement I have received my fellow Cornish rugby supporters in my present situation is just staggering and so a private tear was certainly shed at the final whistle.”

Many fans took to Twitter to express their joy at seeing Cornwall topple Lancashire.

Mark Collett, who runs the Cornwall Rugby Updates page on Facebook said: “I believe Cornwall only conceded five tries the whole championship... Enough said.”

Parody account @PoldarksHorse tweeted: “Bet Gilroy, Bill Beaumont, Andrew Flintoff, Lancashire Hot Pots – your boys had one ‘ell of a beating today.”

Cornish celebrities also sent their messages of congratulations to the county side, including Helen Glover fresh from claiming gold alongside Heather Stanning at the European Rowing Championships.

The Olympic gold medallist said: “Well done #Cornwall... County champions!”

TV chef Rick Stein also tweeted a message to Cornwall RFU, saying: “Congratulations everyone. Very impressed.”

Meanwhile, former England, Leeds United and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Nigel Martyn said: “Congratulations to @Cornwallrugby on the great win.”

Other sports clubs passed on their good will messages to the side.

Bosses at the Cornwall Cricket board celebrated the win, tweeting: “Many congratulations @Cornwallrugby. Fantastic stuff @trelawnysarmy 18-13 pride of Kernow – now come on the cricketers #cornwallcricket.”