TRIBUTES have been paid to "a truly great Cornishman" from Falmouth who has passed away.

Craig Weatherhill died last weekend aged 69, campaign group Kernow Matters To You, of which he was a member, has announced.

It said his passing had "sent a shock wave of grief through our Cornish community".

Craig went to school in Falmouth, where his parents owned a sports shop.

He played football for a number of clubs in the area, including Mawnan.

A Kernow Matters To You spokesperson said: "Craig was so many things to so very many of us.

"A humble man but firmly and proudly Cornish, Craig was a widely published and award winning author of best selling historical and other reference books as well as novels.

"He was a retired planning officer and architect, a former semi professional footballer, a Bard of Gorseth Kernow since 1981 with his Bardic name being 'Delynyer Hendhyscans' meaning 'Draughtsman of Archaeology', a practised and accomplished horseman, a recognised expert on Cornwall's archaeology and history, an expert on Cornwall's place names, a Cornish language speaker and life member of Agan Tavas – the society for the promotion and protection of the Cornish language."

"He was an inspirational and truthful campaigner for Cornish matters, a musician, a friend and an absolute authority on all things Cornish and relating to Cornwall.

"This list is far from exhaustive and could go on so much more.

"Craig was a truly great Cornishman who was respected, admired and loved. A giant in his fields of expertise, and one who spoke with passion, unquestionable knowledge and dignity.

"To him, Kernow truly mattered.

"His presence touched the lives of so very many and his death leaves an enormous vacuum.

"We are in deep mourning for this son of Cornwall.

"Cusk yn cres Craig. (Rest in peace)."