The medical students are now moving outside the classroom

After two years of theory, the trainee doctors are going to be starting to work in medical facilities in Devon and Cornwall for the first time.

They will be based in both major and community hospitals in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.

The medics are due to qualify as doctors in three years' time.

'Exciting professionals'

The medical school said this phase of the students' training was crucial in developing the next generation of doctors equipped to meet the health challenges that lay ahead.

Medical school Associate Dean Professor Anthony Pinching said: "Seeing some of the students at the end of their second year, I have to say they were functioning at a level that would be a joy to many of my professional colleagues.

"It's really impressive. They're very thoughtful, very insightful, very sensitive to people's needs and very aware of the wider world in which patients have to live.

"These are going to be very exciting professionals to have in the future."

The school, which opened in 2002, was started through a collaboration between the universities of Exeter and Plymouth in partnership with the NHS in the South West. It teaches at sites in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.

In four years, the university wants to have 1,500 students registered and studying in the South West.