A LEADING figure in South East Cornwall’s business and farming community has died.

Michael Horrell, who among his other achievements founded Cornish yarg cheese, was 81.

Mr Horrell lived near Rilla Mill, where his Lynher Dairies firm was based.

Based on a 17th century recipe for cheese wrapped in nettles, Cornish yarg became an international success. It has been produced in West Cornwall since 2001 after the retirement of Michael Horrell and his wife Margaret.

In politics a prominent Liberal, Mr Horrell was also a local Methodist preacher.

His funeral will be held at St Melor’s Church, Linkinhorne, on September 15 (3pm). Donations in lieu of flowers have been asked for, for the Farming Community Network in Cornwall.