A photography student from Cornwall has set his sights on the high seas, and is now preparing to embark on a 6,000 mile journey with artist Dominica Williamson.

Jason Parsons is studying photography and digital imaging at Truro and Penwith College, and signed up for the expedition after being inspired by his lecturer.

He will now form part of the artistic and scientific collaboration accompanying a team of researchers to document the Coral Communities Project.

The team will travel across the Indian Ocean and Jason, alongside photographer and lecturer Andy Hughes, will be documenting the important trip.

The research project, run in association with Plymouth Marine Lab, aims to collect usable data based around Mauritius, to show how people can help to care for the ocean and its coral reef.

It is hoped that Jason's documentary work will be shared globally as part of a toolbox to raise awareness of global environmental issues.

Jason said: "All of the tutors at Truro and Penwith College are equally fantastic but it was Andy Hughes who sparked my creativity.

"I never would’ve thought I would even get to this point, it is just such an amazing feeling.”

Jason has already exhibited similar work with the London Royal Geographical Society, alongside Dominica Williamson’s project #tagscape.

He is keen to broaden his horizons with this new project, represented by the hashtag #CoralCommunities.

Once he has finished this latest project Jason plans to continue his studies at Plymouth University, to achieve a BA (Hons) photography degree, before pursuing a career in teaching.