ST MELLION International Resort is setting up a tourism academy to deliver diplomas in travel and tourism – part of the government's new vocational qualifications for 16 to 18 year olds. St Mellion is working with Cornwall College and the South East Cornwall Learning Partnership on the development of the academy.

News of the academy plans were given to Sheryll  Murray, the South East Cornwall MP, and Oliver Colvile, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, during a visit to the new award-winning St Mellion. 

St Mellion is already partnering Duchy College in a tournament golf college for aspiring young golfers who wish to make their living through golf, either playing or in the many support roles the professional industry offers. 

After being shown round the facilities at St Mellion, Sheryll Murray said she was delighted with the plans. 'This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people in South East Cornwall. We have fantastic schools here in the constituency and they produce excellent results with their limited resources. The investment from St Mellion will allow them to build on this.

'Having been familiar with the redevelopment at St Mellion over the past few years, I am delighted that we have such a pristine venue here in South East Cornwall.'

Oliver Colvile was equally enthusiastic. He said: 'The visit to St Mellion was both informative and very useful.  As I member and a regular user  I gained a much better understanding of the facilities that St Mellion has to offer and also some of the challenges that they face in trying to employ local people. 

'I look forward to working very closely with the management in promoting St Mellion as a leisure experience in the Plymouth travel to work area.'

Stephen Towers, resort director at St Mellion, said: 'We were delighted to have been able to tell our MPs about our plans and to show them just what we can achieve here.

'As an employer of more than 200 people in the region, it is imperative that we have the right skills base, not only for today, but also to secure the long-term future of tourism in the region.'