A tireless lifeboat fundraiser and last original founder of Porthleven Lifeboat Day has died at the age of 81.

The life and work of Brian Buxton was remembered at a funeral service last Tuesday held at St Bartholomew’s Church, Porthleven.

Brian devoted more than four decades of his life, between 1975 and 2017, to serving the RNLI and Porthleven, helping raise more than £250,000 during this time.

Amongst the successes was also tragedy, however, in particular in 1981 when the lifeboat Solomon Browne and her crew, which had supported Porthleven lifeboat in the days prior, were lost at sea.

Among the many people and organisations paying tribute to Brian has been the Penlee Lifeboat Station, who said: "On behalf of coxswain Patch Harvey, the crew and branch at Penlee Lifeboat Station we wish to pass on our condolences to Brian's family. Brian has been involved in raising money for the RNLI for over 40 years which really is amazing.

"We have enjoyed working with Brian over the years and always looked forward to his visits to Penlee. Listening to his stories over several cups of tea was a pleasure.

"Brian also made sure at Porthleven Lifeboat Day all the crew got a big pasty which we looked forward to.

Brian it was pleasure knowing you. Thank you so much for all you did for us over many years. We will miss you."

After presenting Brian’s eulogy, personal friend and Porthleven branch vice president Mike Carter, was asked to present Nigel and Tina, Brian's children, with copies of the recently published book "Penlee Lifeboat Station. Service Not Self."

A record of Penlee’s history, it contains references to Porthleven as well as images of the port and its lifeboat day.

Inside the covers presented, Penlee coxswain Patch Harvey had written a message to both families, reading: "In memory of Brian Buxton, who for over four decades (1975 to 2017) helped raise funds for the RNLI and Penlee Lifeboat Station. "Such dedication and commitment is very much appreciated, helping us to continue saving lives at sea.

"From those who served in the past, from those who serve in the future, and from those serving now."

This was followed by Patch and the crew’s signatures.

The service was taken by Rev Dr Peter Johnson and was followed by interment at Porthleven Cemetery, before refreshments at the Atlantic Inn. Donations were collected for the Cornish Heart Unit Fund.

Brian and his wife Freda came to Porthleven in 1973. After leaving the RAF he set up an engineering business that ran for many years in Porthleven Shipyard.

Alongside his commitment to the RNLI, Brian was also heavily involved with the Helston and District Sea Angling Club, as well as Porthleven Rangers Football Team.

In addition, he was a member of the Penhellaz Freemasons Lodge in Helston.