Dignitaries from across Caradon were at Luxstowe House in Liskeard on Tuesday to mark the end of the district council after 35 years.

The ceremony included the lowering of the Caradon flag which was replaced by a St Piran's flag.

Speaking about the end of the council, leader John Turner said: 'I have been associated with Caradon for some 17 years, both as an employee and also as an elected member.

'I would like to wish everyone involved in Caradon a successful and happy transfer to the new authority.'

Officials say the transition from district council-provided services to the new Cornwall Council system should prove 'seamless'.

A spokesman for the district council said that householders should notice no difference following the change-over although some alterations to services may be needed in the future to ensure standardisation across the county – for example the manner in which recycling is collected.

Cornwall Council is setting up a network of one-stop-shops across the county which will provide a point of contact for residents.

The county has been divided up into Community Network Areas – taking in towns and their surrounding parishes – by the new council.

These areas included Liskeard and Looe; Saltash and Torpoint; Callington; Launceston; and St Blazey, Fowey and Lostwithiel.

Each area will have a manager.

Martin Eddy, the manager for Liskeard and Looe, said: 'I want to work closely with local councils and the community to tackle issues that are resulting from the recession, incorporating them into the community network plan.'