College open day entices visitors to Stoke Climsland from as far away as Blackpool

THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to Duchy College's open day and food festival.

The Stoke Climsland campus welcomed 3,500 people over the weekend – with some travelling from as far afield as Blackpool to find out about courses.

Katie the iguana with Samantha Barnsby from the college and Freya Stephenson from Stoke Climsland.
Rowan Le Grice from Callington and Dominic White from Duchy College with Hannah the goat.
Tamsyn Grant from Gunnislake has a go on the climbing wall with help from instructor Brian Sellick.
Josh and Tala the Belgian shepherd from Gunnislake complete the dog agility course.
Visitors tour the Duchy College campus in a tractor trailer.
Visitors watch a cookery demonstration in the food tent.
Aleisha Whittaker, 12, and Malachi Whittaker, 7, from Liskeard, get behind the wheel of a tractor.
Rebecca Ferrier, 3, from Harrowbarrow, enjoys Daisy's Ice Cream.

Digger-driving challenges, equine displays, reptile encounters and cheesemaking demonstrations were all on offer, as well as the opportunity to try archery, climbing, indoor rowing and PGA golf tuition.

Beckie Harry, a 26-year-old teacher from Pensilva, said she had a lovely time: "The weather was fantastic and the surrounding area is stunning.

"We watched the equine display, found out about pond life, asked the current students about pets and Pets' Corner, and were amazed with the rabbit, guinea pig and tortoise enclosures which were made by the students.

"Our favourite part was trying all the gorgeous food made in Cornwall and abroad."

Adam Bunkum, 12, from Callington, had a go at archery.

He said he found it quite easy as he had done it before and it was good fun.

"I've done a lot today – the climbing wall and looking at the animals – and really enjoyed myself," he said.

Fergus the goat was led around by the college's animal care students and munched on the campus greenery.

New kune kune piglets Betty and Wilma amused passers-by as they enjoyed the sunshine in their pen and bathed in their troughs.

The college's golf swing studio proved popular, with coaching supplied by the resident PGA golf professional.

Jude Jaga, 7, from Callington, was one of those who tried his hand at the sport.

"I really enjoyed today; I've done so much stuff but I really loved the golf," he said.

Cornwall Food and Drink joined forces with Duchy College to hold their first Summer Food Festival, with more than 35 exhibitors from across the South West.

Demonstrations from Fiona Were, head chef at the Greenbank in Falmouth, and Tom Scade from Tides Restaurant at the Mariners' Rock in Rock showed visitors how to make dishes using local produce.