Marine Biology students spent a week on the Portugese island of Madeira for an educational end-of-term trip.

The group enjoyed a packed schedule of activities including diving, visiting marine research laboratories, walking ecological tours, talks from leading experts, and dolphin and whale spotting as part of their field course and educational programme.

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Student were also able to log time towards their Padi Dive qualifications taught by Kennack Diving with Madeira offering some of the best conditions in the Atlantic.

Level three student Jasmin Clegg, 18, from Penzance, received her Advanced Diver qualification just a few weeks before the trip and got to put it to good use in the idyllic island waters.

She said: "It was such an amazing experience. To get my dive qualification and then use it in Madeira was fantastic. I'm so grateful to Falmouth Marine School for making this possible."

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Marine Science Degree level student Josh Clarke volunteered to be the group's photographer for the week as he wants to pursue a career in Nature and Wildlife photography once he's graduated.

Lecturer Angela Webster said: "The images Josh took of the dives and marine life in Madeira are perfect and great to add to his Instagram portfolio: @joshclarkephotos."

After the trip, Josh left for Mozambique to volunteer for Love the Ocean.

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Angela added: "Josh met Love the Ocean at the College's Industry Day and signed up to spend his summer volunteering with them.

"Students make so many industry contacts at this event and during their time studying with us and we pride ourselves in being a career college ensuring that our learners are work ready.

"Industry Day, guest speakers and trips like the one to Madeira are fundamental in helping to achieve that."

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The student trip was led by lecturer Luke Edwyn Marsh, who said Madeira is "an excellent place for marine scientists".

Luke said: "The access to such a range of marine life, big and small, gives students unique experiences and training as well as unforgettable memories,

"The islands are next to productive parts of the ocean fed by the Gulf Stream and Canary Current, with mild to warm temperatures all year round.

"This makes it a hotspot for marine life enthusiasts and researchers alike, with some species endemic to the island chain including other rare species such as the Mediterranean monk seal."

For more information on Falmouth Marine School visit falmouthmarineschool.co.uk or call 01326 310310.