Record mining course applications

Camborne School of Mines says it has received a record number of applications for this academic year.

Mining course leaders say there has been an increase of more than 100% on last year because of a shortage of miners worldwide.

The school also offers a limited number of scholarships worth £2,000 a year.

In 2003, the Office for National Statistics revealed miners were paid more than people working in the City, which has also attracted students.

'Brain drain'

Holly Moulding, who is in her second year at the school, said: "When I graduate I can look to have, on average, seven job offers just for me personally, so there are fantastic jobs out there.

"You don't have to look for them, they will come to you and it's great.

"The Times newspaper said recently that UK quarry workers and mining engineers earn more, salary-wise, than people who work in the City.

"We will be earning the same amount of money as all the top businessmen and I can guarantee we are having a much better time."

The school has dismissed claims that it is creating a "brain drain" as students tend to abandon Cornwall for jobs overseas after they graduate.

Course director Andy Wetherelt admitted that students may go abroad to find work, but they tended to return to Cornwall.