Superhero 'a voice' for Cornwall

CORNWALL now has its very own superhero thanks to the efforts of four former pupils of Penryn College who together have come up with Kernowman.

Thurstan Jenkin, 24, has taken on the role of mythical maverick turned local superhero. He is supported by his modern day creators Barny Savage, 24, Adam Spring, 25, and Tom Weller, 25.

“Kernowman is very much behind the celebration of St. Piran’s Day, March 5,” said Tom Weller. “It’s not every country that has a patron saint, and that is something uniquely Cornish”.

Revalations that a local council disallowed St Piran’s flag from being flown on the basis on it “not being a real flag,” has fallen foul with Kernowman.

“Some people are blasé, thinking now it’s not even a real flag, but others feel that ‘it’s distinctively Cornish’ and that’s something they really identify with,” said Weller.

The local superhero’s antics are far cry away from TV icons Batman and Superman. They explore what it means to be Cornish whilst championing the county’s popular voice.

“Kernowman is more of a watchdog over Cornwall. He doesn’t wear the coolest outfit in the world, but wears wellies and has charisma. He’ll pull up at a big event, drawing attention to himself and key issues,” said Spring.

Jenkin is now honouring his superhero duties, and plans to make unannounced future appearances at local events across the length and breadth of the county.

He has already surprised unsuspecting crowds with a recent publicity stunt while attending the premiere of his first episode of a series of action films.

Revellers at the Kernow Film Festival welcomed the superhero as he rolled up in a chauffer driven Mercedes, complete with bodyguards and were amused to see his courageous reaction when confronted with two of his arch enemies – posing as property developers.

The smartly dressed “property developers” attempt in selling “affordable second homes” for £16m fell short of success, when the superhero heroically relieved them of their two briefcases – stuffed full of million dollar notes from previous sales, while they were distracted by a reporter.

Kernowman was then seen generously redistributing the wealth to the adorning crowd, as he triumphed in saving the day.

“I am proud to be Cornish and support the right for people to explore their identity for themselves,” said Kernowman. “I want people to see me as an everyday man exploring my Cornish identity”.