A long-standing Falmouth clergyman is retiring over the Tamar after 16 years of service.

King Charles the Martyr Church's Reverend Stephen Tudgey was presented with a town council plaque and Falmouth cufflinks to commemorate his work.

Presenting the plaque at Monday night's council meeting, mayor Steve Eva said: "It's with sadness that we say goodbye to Stephen Tudgey who is leaving the church and moving to Taunton.

"I have asked him here tonight because I believe over the last 16 years he's served the town well."

After opening the meeting with a brief prayer, Reverend Tudgey received his plaque and gave a farewell speech to the town.

He said: "Mister mayor, thank you so much. It's not the FA cup, it's the Falmouth cup!

"It's been a privilege and a joy to serve the council with the churches for 16 years.

"The parish church is wonderful, it's rather like the Tardis. Visitors think it's not very big but they come in and say 'wow'.

"I would like to thank Val [Rogers] and Emily [Middleditch] from the council, and parade marshal Tom French, who has a great sense of humour."

He went on to say: "It's been good to see Falmouth grow and develop over the years. In my view it's the best town in Cornwall. Here I pay tribute to the town council, the Richards [Gates and Wilcox] and the clerk, they all represent the town very well.

"It's a very special place. I believe that god has blessed this town. God bless Falmouth.

"I'm so glad, by god, that we came to this place. It's rich in culture and it's a wonderful place to live in. Thank you for all you have done here."

Speaking to the Packet afterwards, Reverend Tudgey praised the town's street pastors, which he helped to set up, and Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together.