Merger plan approved for colleges

Both colleges are part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall

The government has approved plans for the merger of two colleges in Cornwall.

Penwith College will join forces with Truro College to provide facilities for students in Penzance.

Both colleges are part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC), set up to boost funding and coordinate the growth of university education.

The Learning and Skills Council approved the merger after a review of options to maintain Penwith College's quality as an educational facility.

Truro College Principal Jonathan Burnett said he was delighted the merger had been given the go ahead.

CUC also includes the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, the Open University, the College of St Mark and St John and Cornwall College.