Nearly 50 new students, from ages 18 to 60 and over, from Plymouth College of Art’s BA (Hons) Extended Degree course visited Looe beach to work together creating sand sculptures as part of an annual competition during their induction to the college.

Extended Degree Course Manager Helen Markes said: “We have students joining us this year from a huge variety of backgrounds and locations, including circuses and Michelin-star restaurants. The wide age range brings a richness to the course that will hopefully lead to unexpected and exciting outcomes. Students bring a multitude of prior skills and knowledge to the course, which they build upon and share in their journey to creative degree-level study.

“Looe has really embraced our annual sand sculpture competition, which is now in its eighth year. The day is a great opportunity for our new students to engage in group work, broaden their art and design knowledge and collaborate.”

The East Looe Town Trust awarded a £50 prize to the best sculpture created by students, in a competition judged by local contemporary glass artist, Sandy Horton, and local abstract painter, James Howe, who worked on the films Blade Runner and Local Hero.

Mayor Armand Toms and John Warne CB were also in attendance. John Warne CB, a longstanding supporter of Plymouth College of Art’s annual beach sculpture competition, stepped down as Chairman of the East Looe Town Trust following the event, after seven years of service.

Photos of the sand sculpture competition were captured by Plymouth College of Art BA (Hons) Commercial Photography for Fashion, Advertising and Editorial student Taylor Harford, who joined the college three years ago studying an Extended Degree.