The annual exhibition of Furniture Studies student work at Cornwall College Camborne was launched with a private view event this week courtesy of Cornwall Crafts at the Trelowarren Gallery.

The evening saw a wide range of furniture works from students studying a range of courses from City & Guilds level 2 and 3 courses right up to foundation degree level.

Owain Harris, head of furniture studies, said: "The standard of work of our students is really exceptional. Our students have worked really hard in bringing this exhibition of work together, tonight is about celebrating that achievement with them, their families, former alumni and our partners in industry."

One student exhibiting his work for the first time was Patrick Davis, 22, he said: "I used to live in London, when I moved to South West I didn't want to end up with an office job, I wanted to do something more creative and the furniture courses at Cornwall College seemed ideal.

"I went along to an open evening and signed up to do the level 2 City & Guilds. I enjoyed it so much I went on to complete the level 3 course. The lecturers have been brilliant; they even helped me get a job with Rozen Furniture Company on the Lizard."

Verity Mitchell from Hayle has just completed the Furniture Studies HND course, her work focused on creating seating from each letter of the alphabet, with a sheet aluminium letter M being one of the most eye-catching pieces of the exhibit.

Former student Nicholas Langan came along to the exhibit to catch up with old lecturers and check out the work of the new upcoming talent emerging from the department.

He said: "The exhibit is great; there are some really interesting pieces here. I know from my experience at the college these guys will go on to great things. It was the best foundation for me, after studying right up to HND with the college I then went on to work on a range of projects all over the country.

"Now I've come back to Cornwall and started my own furniture business in Praa Sands, producing work for interior designers as well as a range of one off commission.

"Even now I still call on my old lecturers for a chat and to get some advice and talk about my design ideas."

John Latham, Principal of Cornwall College added: "This exhibition is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their work, to their peers, families and potential employers and customers.

"The furniture studies department has gone from strength to strength in recent years, we have invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities so our students are able to achieve their aspirations and study right up to degree level right here in Cornwall."

The exhibit will run at the Trelowarren Gallery until 20th October, when it moves to the Lander Gallery in Truro until 19th November.