Truro and Penwith College’s pioneering Health, Wellbeing and Sport (HWS) team is celebrating surpassing 10,300 visits to its weekly free sessions, all aimed at promoting health and activity.

Even more impressive is the fact the figure has been achieved in just two terms of the academic year.

The programme has seen 939 different further education students, 114 higher education participants and 144 members of staff take part in all manner of sports, walks and activities.

Julian Wills, Truro and Penwith College Sports Maker and HWS project lead said the programme has “just kept growing, growing, growing.”

He added: "The feedback has been fantastic from both students and members of staff. All of the sessions are completely free and are run by a team of trained student volunteers. I get so many messages from people thanking us for providing this service and detailing how much of an impact it has had on their lives or those of their students. I hope we can continue to expand the offering and reach even more people as the benefits are undeniable.”

Wills also wanted to thank Newquay-based bike and triathlon shop Velotive for its continued support. Activities include military fitness sessions, badminton, canoeing, swimming, golf and a host of other sports and exercise classes.

The HWS team, together with the Cornwall Sports Partnership, recently developed and delivered an eight-week Step into Spring programme, to help promote active lifestyles within the college.

The project that started at the beginning of February, had more than 30 members of staff take part. Each participant was issued with a pedometer, which they wore for the duration of the project.

All the participants had the opportunity to access any of the 60 HWS weekly activity sessions, which are offered to all students and staff completely free of charge, as part of the college’s commitment to staff and student welfare and personal development.