A photograph of the late Captain Frank Edwards, who was Falmouth Harbour Master from 1956 to 1978, has been presented to his widow - 37 years after his death.

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) discovered the framed commemorative photograph at its harbour office in Arwenack Street, during an attic clearance. The portrait shot was presented to Mr Edward’s widow, Molly, at the Royal Yacht Cornwall Club at Greenbank by Dave Ellis, FHC’s chairman.

He said: “Once the team had located the historic image, assistant harbour master, Lloyd Pond, got in touch with Molly and let her know about the discovery. It was very touching to have found the photograph and to be able to present it to Molly personally and she was very delighted to receive it.

“Frank was described by those who knew him as a very fair man that understood the needs of harbour users and was a true gentleman. He was often seen striding through the town at a fast pace wearing his raincoat and harbour master’s hat and carrying his leather briefcase.”

Captain Edwards was Falmouth Harbour Master from January 1956 until his untimely death in 1978. He also held the title of clerk of the harbour commissioners from 1973 until 1978 and was also honorary secretary to the Falmouth branch of the RNLI from 1969 to 1978.