He has dedicated much of his life to serving St Keverne and now the continuing efforts of Walter Sanger have been recognised.

An unsuspecting Mr Sanger was presented with the Russell Peters Community Service Award by St Keverne Parish Council at its last meeting.

Chair Sarah Lyne said: "It's not something we give out annually, but we are giving it to people who, in our opinion, have given a lot time and energy to the parish.

"Walter is one of those people."

She listed many of his achievements, starting with his time on the parish council from 1987 to 2003, then Kerrier District Council between 2003 and 2008, for which he served as its last ever chairman.

He went on become a Cornwall councillor between 2012 until 2017.

Mr Sanger, who used to run the village stores for many years, is involved in a large number of local organisations, including Good Companions, St Keverne Community Lunch Club and Clean Cornwall Heroes.

He is secretary of the local Royal British Legion and sings with Maen Voes Choir and Manacle Voices.

An emotional Mr Sanger said: "I really enjoy this village. Everything I've done is because I love the village. Thank you." He had been asked to attend the meeting to give a talk on the improvements made so far around St Keverne Square - little realising that there was a second reason for him being there.

In his update, Mr Sanger said the area around the bus shelter had been tidied and painted, flower tubs had been put around the village and a new map of the village is to be produced, to include some of the businesses.

He thanked everybody who had helped out so far.