It provides a whole range of public services out of RNAS Culdrose and now Serco has added to that list with a very Helston-specific form of help – a donation to Flora Day.

Serco has presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Helston Flora Day Association, to help towards the running costs of next year’s event.

Milly Winstanley and Jim Duffield presented the cheque at Serco headquarters on the town’s naval base, to chairman of the Flora Day Stewards John Eddy and association secretary Nick Wills.

Receiving the cheque, Mr Eddy told the staff: “We sincerely thank everyone at Serco for their continued support each year; not only do you provide the amplification for the children’s dance, but also in your enthusiasm to see the continued improvement of the service provided.

“With the cost of Flora Day ever increasing, your generous donation is gratefully received from all at the association.”

Rachael Stevenson, contracts manager at Serco, replied: “I am so proud that Serco continue to support the work of the local community, no more so than the great work that goes on behind the scenes for the annual event of the year – Helston Flora Day.

“We will continue to support you and your team as much as you want us to, and more so we will continue to give back to the local community wherever possible.”

Preparations for Flora Day 2018 are already well underway and soon the association will be accepting applications for the Midday and Morning and Evening Dances.

Letters for the Midday Dance should be sent between January 1 and 31, while letters will be accepted for the Morning and Evening Dances from January 1 until March 1.

Details of how to apply can be found on the association website www.helstonfloraday.org.uk.