Mourners lined the streets of Helston last Thursday to say a final goodbye to popular vegetable and egg seller Raymond Arthur.

As the funeral cortege made its way down Meneage Street and Coinagehall Street, to the Central Methodist Church, people stood and bowed their heads, or clapped.

His daughter Lynne said it "felt as though time stood still" and thanked everyone who came out.

She said: "It was surreal – wonderful, if you can say that in such a sad occasion. Coming down Meneage Street, it felt as though time stood still. No cars, no people moving, staff outside shops, a lady stood with an egg box! It really touched us all.

"There was clapping, tears and smiles. My sister, Jeanette, and all the family were moved by the display and know dad would have been very proud and moved."

The service was led by Rev Danny Reed and included a tribute read by Raymond's grandson Nathan, with the eulogy read by his friend Martin Matthews to a fully packed chapel.

"It was said that dad had an infectious appetite for life and family," added Lynne.

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Hymns were We Plough the Fields and Scatter and The Lord's My Shepherd, with the service followed by teas, pasties and saffron cake.

Donations were taken for the Mustard Seed (Helston & Lizard Foodbank) and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

Lynne added: "Danny Reed and team at Central Methodist Church were wonderful. Hendy Funeral Services looked after the family and procedures well."

Afterwards interment was at Helston Cemetery, and coincided with the start of the Hawk jet flypast, with Lynne joking: "I claimed that as a fly pass for dad!"

Raymond Arthur sold vegetables and eggs from a stall in his Helston garden for 20 years

Raymond Arthur sold vegetables and eggs from a stall in his Helston garden for 20 years

Raymond's stall, in his garden opposite Coronation Park boating lake, was beloved by people across the town and even further afield.

He ran the business from a shed in his front garden for more than 20 years, and customers would come not just for the freshness of the produce but also for a chat with Raymond, who had a smile for everyone.

Raymond died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital on Saturday, February 26, aged 89. He was born and grew up in the Leedstown area, married the late Gwen Smitham and they lived at Trebarvah Farm, Seworgan. He also worked at Jose Collins Agricultural Stores and then later their auction rooms.