While coach loads of students from Cornwall travelled to London for the mass student protest, those who could not make it descended on Truro’s Lemon Quay for their voices to be heard.

Over three hours, 100 students campaigned against the trebling of tuition fees and other cuts affecting higher and further education across the country.

The group shouted chants and displayed banners to grab the attention of the passing public.

“We are very happy the protest was a success. The energy people put behind it in just a few days was unbelievable and we really made our voices heard,” said student Max Stephens. “Support came from pinstripe executives to elderly couples expressing concern and anger.

Another student, Joe Mortimer, added: “Students in Cornwall are beginning to realise how the education cuts and rises in university fees will affect them. That's why the demo in Truro was a great way of raising support locally.”