He has been a constant figurehead steering Mullion Parish Council through good times and bad for the last 15 years but John Lang has now stepped down as chairman.

In a fitting tribute to his guiding role on the council, Mr Lang was presented with a serpentine lighthouse by councillors at his last meeting in charge.

Councillor Roger Willey gave a speech paying tribute to the many, many hours of time and effort that the retiring chairman had provided to the village.

He also thanked Kip, Mr Lang's wife, for supporting him during his role as chairman.

Mr Lang was elected as chair very shortly after being elected as a new councillor. He stepped up to the challenge and Mr Willey said he was proud to be a member of the parish council for the entire duration of his chairmanship.

During this time the council had seen many changes, including a variety of facilities and land being devolved from Cornwall Council down to the parish, along with the ongoing challenge of planning issues. However, Mr Willey said that due to "the tremendous amount of research and time given by John Lang," all of the decisions made by the parish council "were with good reason."

Mr Lang, who will remain on the parish council as a member, thanked his fellow councillors and clerk Samantha Folds for their support, before going on to wish the next chairman good luck.

Howard Pickett was elected as chairman for the 2018/19 civic year.