A boatbuilder who has been in the trade since the age of 15 has retired after nearly 49 years with the same company.

Ron Young joined Falmouth Boat Construction, in Flushing, as an apprentice boat builder on May 11, 1957.

Since then he has worked on every model of lifeboat ever made and even refurbished boats for films, including Moby Dick and the original Treasure Island, part of which was filmed in Carrick Roads.

Mr Young said he would be sad to leave all his friends at the boatyard, but was looking forward to his retirement.

"I'm sad to leave all my mates - people I've known for a long, long time. But I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family," he said.

Mr Young has lived in Penryn for "most of his life" and still has a house there with his wife, Elaine. The couple also have a daughter, Debra, and a grandson called Lewis.

In the 1950s and 60s he was known for being a stalwart player with Penryn Rugby Club.

One of Mr Young's former apprentices, John Allen, who is also a Mylor parish councillor, described his mentor as a "quiet, gentle giant".

"He's an absolutely brilliant man. In all the years I've known him I've never really seen him in a bad mood. He was always part and parcel of the fun in the yard and nothing was ever too much trouble to do," he added.

Managing director Bernie Bagley confirmed this, saying: "He's a great loss. He's been a part of the yard and one of the team. He's a valued member of staff and we all wish him a long and healthy retirement."

He also commented on Mr Young's dedication to the company, describing his record of only working for one company as "almost unheard of nowadays".

Surrounded by current and former colleagues - including Brian "Doc" Rees, who returned for the occasion 11 years after his retirement - Mr Young was presented with a set of golf clubs and balls, plus a pair of binoculars.