Porthleven Town Band said goodbye to one of their own last week in the most fitting way they knew how.

As Russell Cowls, described as "an integral part of the band family"for more than 60 years, made his final journey through Porthleven, band members stood apart outside the Methodist chapel in Fore Street and played a number of hymns, including Abide With Me and The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended, to the waiting hearse.

Afterwards a funeral service was held at Treswithian Downs Crematorium in Camborne, last Monday, following Mr Cowls death on June 25, aged 86.

Video: Porthleven Town Band

Russell was born in Porthleven in 1933 and after National Service he joined his father in his net manufacturing business, taking over entirely following his father's death in the 1960s. He continued to work there until he retired.

He also joined Porthleven Town Band, where he played the tuba for more than 50 years, competing in numerous band contests including the Brass Band National Championship Finals in London and more recently Cheltenham.

Falmouth Packet:

Russell Cowls was a lifelong member of Porthleven Town Band

Despite personal tragedies, losing two wives to cancer, he continued his association with the band and became a trustee, supporting it through good times and not so good times.

His wife Hazel, with whom he lived in Porthleven, said: "He was a well known and much loved member of Porthleven Town Band and will be sadly missed by all."

At the funeral donations were collected for Dementia UK and can still be sent care of funeral directors David Mitchell and Son, Porthleven.

Falmouth Packet:

Russell with fellow members of Porthleven Town Band in 1962/63. Photo: Porthleven Museum

Back row left to right. Lester Scott, Michael Vaughan, Charlie Roberts, Pat Seymour, Jack Tregembo, Roger Pearce, Kenneth Mitchell, Colin Allen, Leslie Williams, Ernie Thomas, Les Vincent, Centre row left to right, Paul Seymour, John Richards, David Mitchell, Kenny Eddy, Reggie Richards, Clifford King, Oliver Toy, Diane Toy, Peter Goldsworthy, John Body.

Front row left to right. Drum John Lindsey, Stanley Prout, Russell Cowls, Michael Tregembo, Roger Trace, musical director Ernest Bawden, Arthur Roberts, Stuart Tregembo, Reggie (senior), David Whiting, drum Walter Wearne.