Falmouth University was left isolated from the world for a short time last week when lightning struck the data centre at its Penryn Campus, knocking out telephone lines and IT systems.

Staff were, however, well prepared for such an emergency and quickly sprang into action to remedy the situation.

Jilly Easterby, the university’s public engagement and PR manager, said: “During last week’s storms, a lightning strike to the Penryn Campus resulted in a temporary IT and telephone outage across both of our campuses.

“Our IT services team dealt with the situation quickly and services were fully operational at the Penryn Campus by lunchtime, but in the interim, we used every channel at our disposal to ensure that this disruption did not adversely affect Falmouth University’s interview day or preparations for the University of Exeter’s offer-holder visit day on Saturday.

“We’re delighted to say that both events were a success, proving that Cornwall’s universities are very much ‘open for business.’”