The Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors, who provide a warm welcome to passengers from visiting cruise liners, have been presented with the Andy Hocking Community Service Award by the town’s mayor.

The port’s cruise ship operations are managed by FDEC (Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company) which is part of the A&P Group. Last year saw more than 30 vessels, carrying a total of more than 14,000 passengers, visit Falmouth.

The Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors are made up of volunteers who give up their time to meet passengers as they disembark from cruise ships, offering help, information and directions.

Councillor Eva said: “The ambassadors are there to greet passengers, whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, and they always have a smile on their face. They don’t do it for any personal gain – it’s all about Falmouth and providing a great first impression to our town.”

Some of the ambassadors attended the 2020 Cruise Ship Enhancement meeting at Falmouth Town Council’s chamber when they were surprised by mayor, Steve Eva, who presented them with the award.

It is only the second time the award has been presented, with the volunteer ambassadors following in the footsteps of the Falmouth Police Cadets, who were the first to receive the award, made in memory of the late PC Andy Hocking.

This latest award is not the first from Falmouth Town Council. In 2016, the ambassadors were presented with the Spirit of Falmouth Award in recognition of all their efforts.

Drystan Jones, port operations director of FDEC, said: “We are delighted to see all the hard work put in by the Cruise Ship Ambassadors has once again been recognised.

“The volunteers provide an invaluable service to our visiting cruise ship passengers and we are grateful for all the support they give the cruise ship industry in Falmouth.”