A Helston business owner of almost quarter of century has died following a long illness.

A funeral for Brian Plunkett, who owned Heathercraft haberdashery with wife Avril for 24 years, was held at Camborne Crematorium on Thursday, following his death on March 17.

He had been ill for some time but had recently worsened when he developed bronchopneumonia.

In addition to owning Heathercraft, Brian was a former longstanding member of Helston Chamber of Commerce, taking on the position of chairman for six years up to the point it folded in 2003 due to lack of business support.

Brian and April moved to Helston in 1995, initially opening Heathercraft in Horse and Jockey Lane - in the unit where the Bolenowe Animal Sanctuary charity shop now runs out of - the same year.

Also that year they took over the business Curtain Corner, in the former Helston Arcade, running the two simultaneously.

Falmouth Packet:

Heathercraft subsequently moved to larger premises at 1 Coinagehall Street, where it remained until seven years ago, when the business relocated across the road.

However, Avril closed the shop in October last year, due to the combination of looking after Brian and the business no longer being financially viable, although she continues to work from home sewing, dressmaking and carrying out alterations for people.

Both Brian and Avril are well known in the local theatre circles, performing in many productions with Helston Theatre Club, the Gweek Players and the King Charles Mummers in Falmouth.

Brian also loved his cricket, although he never played it, but followed it keenly.

The couple have four children and seven grandchildren, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in November.

Avril said: "He was very much committed to his family. He tended to focus, in recent years, on family more than anything, and friends.

"We have got friends and family all over the world, in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Beijing and Canada.

"And his church was important to him."

They attended St Winwalloe Church in Gunwalloe, at Church Cove, and parish priest Father Shane Griffiths led the funeral service.