Staff at Helston Community College described themselves as "bowled over" at the amount of people attending their open evening.

Visitors flocked from as far away as Hayle, Lanner and Stithians to attend the event, which was designed to give 11-year-olds in their last year at primary school a taste of what they could expect if they chose to attend Helston during their secondary education.

The youngsters attending, who were accompanied by their parents, received a welcome speech by head teacher Dr Pat McGovern, before being shown around the facilities.

A range of demonstrations and hands-on activities were also enjoyed by the visitors, including science demonstrations, the opportunity to paint themselves in the art block and take away daffodils from the horticulture class. A trio of sixth-formers provided musical entertainment.

The visitors were also able to look at the school's new canteen facilities, which have just undergone a quarter-of-a-million-pound refurbishment, and enjoy a cream tea.

A spokesman for the college said: "It was a really popular event and we were bowled over with the numbers that came. There was a lot of interest."

The school is now gearing up for its Post-16 Evening, in which year 11 students can look at the sixth-form facilities and consider which courses to take at AS and A-level. The event is taking place on Thursday, October 11, between 6pm and 8.30pm.