STUDENTS from the Student Invasive Non-Native Group (SINNG) based at Cornwall College Newquay spent the weekend pulling the highly invasive Himalayan balsam from the Valency Valley in Boscastle.

SINNG joined forces with the National Trust Rangers and volunteers and made a real impact on what has become a big problem to native plants and their habitat.

Nicola Morris from Camelford who is SINNG Project Co-ordinator at Cornwall College Newquay, said: "Himalayan balsam is a highly invasive plant that was brought to this country in 1839. It spreads very easily as the seed pods explode on contact sending them up to seven meters and it takes over hedgerows, blocks rivers and can cause river bank erosion."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.