Dramatic and historic events in the Falmouth-Penryn area are the key themes of the latest local history book written and published by retired Cornish journalist Mike Truscott in aid of Cancer Research UK.

And a new feature in Memory Lane In Falmouth And Penryn – Mike's fourth such book – is a series of original poems written by Nick Castle, of Penryn, reflecting each of the 17 chapters.

Landmark events vividly re-created include the joyful scenes when residents turned out in their thousands to mark the end of the Second World War, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the total eclipse of the sun.

Also recalled are frightening earth tremors, major fires and spectacular storms, along with tugs sinking, trains crashing and perilous challenges for local police officers.

Further back in time, Mike describes the great days of sail, the magical scenes of elephants and other animals parading through town when the circus arrived, and the days when Penryn flourished like no other town in the West Country.

"Nick's poetry is very much the icing on the cake," says Mike, who explains: "I was delighted when he accepted my invitation to get involved because he has become a regular contributor to my blog and I knew just how talented a poet he is.

"Before retiring in 2009 he had worked at Falmouth Docks for over 30 years. In that time, he wrote numerous commemorative poems for retiring colleagues, so much so that he deservedly earned the nickname 'The Dockyard Bard.'"

Guest writers also include Steve Ivall, who reflects on nearly 40 years in Cornish journalism, David Mudd, former journalist and broadcaster, author and MP, and Felicity Warner, David's daughter and herself an accomplished journalist and author, with fond memories of her Falmouth childhood.

With a front cover designed by James Hadley, Mike's son-in-law, Memory Lane is funded by Mike and his wife Janet, with all sale proceeds going to Cancer Research.

Mike's books and, latterly, his paintings have to date raised over £10,000 for Cancer Research since his retirement in 2014.

The strictly limited edition of Memory Lane is now available, price £4.95, only at the Cancer Research UK shop in Market Street, Falmouth (mail order: 01326 212905). All sale proceeds will go to charity.