TAVISTOCK College Surf Academy is trialling an innovative way of encouraging students to care for the environment and the local area.

Teacher Pete Keegan, who runs the academy, has introduced contracts for surf team members to ensure they take part in community service and work hard in lessons.

Mr Keegan said: 'The idea is to ensure the exemplary behaviour of the members, as well as keeping their attendance levels excellent and their academic performance on or above target.

'There is also a clause in the contract which states members must carry out five evidenced hours of environmental service; this could be through beach clean-ups, or working on outdoor community spaces.'

The academy is helping to facilitate the activities as much as possible, but is also encouraging the students to show commitment and organisation. Students who breach the contract will be temporarily excluded from the team's activities which include trips to Cornwall and France, surf competitions, weekly training sessions and environmental task forcing.

One such event took place just before half term, when students from Tavistock College attended the Devon Schools Surf Championships at Saunton Sands.

With waist to shoulder-high waves, and clear, fine conditions, more than 100 young surfers from eight schools gathered to compete for individual and team glory.

Benedict Evans, Jack Glover and Ryan Bragg were selected to compete in the boys' event, all of whom put in an outstanding effort against the very skilled competition.

Six other students represented the college in the Tag Team event which saw the surfers taking it in turns to score points on waves before running back in to swap competition vests with the next member of the team.

Mr Keegan said: 'Each of the six members had to have a turn within the 40 minutes available. The students had a hilarious time and the judges and spectators saw very exciting new talents; a great time was had by all involved.'