PROUD Cornish folk, dignitaries and schoolchildren took to the street in great number to mark the 40th St Piran’s Day parade through Truro.

To the beat of local silver bands and young musicians, the procession began at Lemon Quay and wended its way through the city centre, including Boscawen Street, Victoria Square and River Street, before reaching High Cross.

The parade included Cornwall Council chairman and Truro city councillor Rob Nolan, Grand Bard Jenefer Lowe and Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham, who returned from Westminster to spend the day with constituents and also attend parades in Penryn, and Perranarworthal.

“This year was an extra-special one for Truro, and it was a real pleasure to take part and to watch schools waving their flags, singing Trelawny, and doing the oggy chant,” she said. “It really was a special day here in Cornwall.”