HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to say goodbye to an award-winning photographer and surfer.
Jacob Cockle, 28, drowned in Carnsew Pool, Hayle, while taking close-up pictures of a whirlpool last month.
Known for his stunning photography, free-spirited attitude and his generosity, friends and family celebrated his life at a funeral at St Mary's Church, Penzance, which reflected some of his uniqueness. Floral tributes were replaced by surfboards, the coffin was painted with wave and flower patterns, and topped with fairy lights and wild flowers, and mourners dressed in brightly coloured clothes.
Father Keith Owen led the service with words from Jacob's mother Carolyn Sheard, who said: "Jacob has always been a free spirit. Each new day, he lived life to its fullest ... we are so proud of Jake that words can not explain our pain."
His friend Charlie Tomlinson told the assembled crowd: "Jacob was a true individual. How many people have you ever met with green dreadlocks and a ginger moustache?
"Everything you did was your own (there are) no replicas, no one similar, one of a kind, one in a million ... from each and every one of your mates we just want to say we love you and you are irreplaceable Jacob."
In the eulogy, Gez Wilson, a family friend who taught him when he studied photography, described the former St Just Primary, Cape Cornwall and Truro College pupil as having incredible talent.
She said: "I supported him as he struggled with words and dyslexia. Written words were never Jake's thing, he would agree with me there, but he did not need them to communicate, discovering his own unique visual communication through the camera lens.
"I would turn up each week and he would tell me excitedly about another award he had won.
"His excitement at the world, his warmth, friendship and love of the sea could all be shared in his photographs."
Songs played included Pictures Of You, by The Cure, Stand By Me, by Ben E King and Redemption Song by Bob Marley.
There was a celebration of Jacob's life at the Acorn, Penzance, on Tuesday evening.