Two students from Truro and Penwith College have climbed to dizzying heights, as they competed in their first ever bouldering competition.

Further education students Eli Connon and Saskia Autumn, both from Redruth, travelled to Devon on Saturday, February 4, to represent the college and compete in various bouldering challenges.

The competition took place at The Barn Climbing Centre at Milton Abbot, with climbers gaining points for the number of routes that they completed.

Bouldering, similar to climbing, is carried out without the safety of harnesses or ropes, with only protective crash mats to help absorb any falls.

Despite this both Eli and Saskia competed well, completing a number of very challenging routes.

The two students honed their skills at the Truro College Climbing Club sessions, which take place in the sports hall on Wednesdays after college, delivered as part of the College's Health, Wellbeing and Sport programme.

The sessions were initially funded through the Sport England 'Sportivate' programme, in partnership with the Cornwall Sports Partnership, targeting young people who were not engaging with traditional sports activities.

The club sessions now regularly have over fifteen participants, many of who were previously inactive in sporting teams.

Julian Wills, HWS project leader, said: "The climbing initiative at the College has been extremely successful.

"There is a great vibe around the college climbing club, which has engaged with many students who traditionally would not consider themselves as sporty.”