Tributes have been paid to stalwart Cornishman Richard Jenkin, who died last week at the age of 77.

Mr Jenkin, of Leedstown, who twice held the title of Grand Bard of Cornwall, devoted his life to the county's language, culture and politics.

He died in hospital having been diagnosed with terminal heart disease.

Speaking to the Packet this week, his wife Ann Trevenen-Jenkin, who was herself the first female Grand Bard of Cornwall, paid tribute to her husband.

"His contribution to the Cornish language and culture was huge, it was immense, but his family are mourning him as a husband, father and grandfather.

"He really was the founder member of so many Cornish organisations and has helped Cornwall to develop in the way it is today, with pride in its culture and history."

Mr Jenkin was one of the founder members and later chairman of Mebyon Kernow, the political party committed to Cornish self-government.

Dick Cole, leader of Mebyon Kernow said: "We will remember Richard with affection, as a man with a great vision for Cornwall. A champion for our small nation, he devoted his entire adult life to winning a better deal for Cornwall and its people, while working equally hard to promote and protect all aspects of Cornish culture.

"He was active in MK for over 50 years, through the good times as well as the bad, always doing his utmost for the cause of Cornwall and setting a wonderful example to younger activists in the party. MK members took great pleasure in electing Richard to the prestigious post of Honorary President in 1998."

An authority on the Cornish language, he wrote and published many poems, stories and articles in Cornish, as well as editing a literary magazine in Cornish.

He had been a member of the Helston Old Cornwall Society for over 50 years.

When the society held its annual midsummer bonfire and Crying the Neck ceremonies, it was always Mr Jenkin who conducted the Cornish part of the event.

He had four children Morwenna, Loveday, Gawen and Conran, and five grandchildren Trystan, Riwana, Mark, Talwyn and Trifina.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday at Crowan Parish Church at 10.30am followed by interment in Crowan Churchyard.

There has been a request for family flowers only, but donations can be given to Crowan Church and Richard Garfield Jenkin Memorial Trust for Cornish Organisations by retiring collection or William Blewett Funeral Director, Chywella, 1a East Terrace, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4JT.