ALMOST five thousand people donned their wellies, sampled some fine Cornish produce and explored the picturesque Duchy College campus at Stoke Climsland for the annual Open Day and Food Festival over the weekend of June 25 and 26.

The fun-filled extravaganza saw families from all over the region enjoying the host of activities and sampling some of the finest locally produced food and drink.

Principal of Duchy College, Andrew Counsell, said: “The weather wasn’t great over the weekend, but the showers didn’t dampen our spirits with thousands of people exploring all that Duchy College has to offer. I would like to thank not only our staff and students, but the fantastic suppliers who joined us in the food festival marquee; all of them made the event extremely special.”

In the food marquee, over 50 producers were selling everything from cheese to apple juice, chutneys, cakes and a range of sweet treats.

There were also cooking demonstrations from Master Chef of Great Britain and Cornwall College St Austell lecturer Grant Mather, Chris Penk — Chef Lecturer at Cornwall College Saltash and chocolate and patisserie expert Shirley Northey.

Josh Burke, a catering student at Cornwall College Saltash, said: “We have been preparing for these demonstrations over the last few days, but being here is totally different. It is great fun being involved the live cooking demonstrations and I have learnt a lot.”

Visitors were also able to enjoy a range of things to see and do, including: digger driving challenges, equine displays, reptile encounters, tractor tours, rifle range, archery, climbing tower, PGA golf tuition and much more.

The Hoare family from Upton Cross said: “It was a great value family day out with so much to see and do; we especially enjoyed the tractor ride and the climbing tower.”

Duchy College offers both full and part-time courses, including university courses in agriculture, animal management, business, childcare, countryside and conservation, forest school, gamekeeping, equine studies, food, construction plant, outdoor pursuits, public services, sport and skills for life.

Mr Counsell added: “It has been a very successful weekend. It’s always great to see so many people on the campus enjoying the facilities and resources we have here, no matter what the weather has to throw at us.”

For more information about Duchy College, please visit, phone 0845 6050455 or visit www.facebook.com/duchycollege for details about the 2017 Open Day.