Plans for the first artificial ski slope to be built in Cornwall have been given the go-ahead by the government.

The news follows Carrick District Council's decision to reject the proposals despite planning officers recommending its approval.

Work is now set to begin on the £3m Cornwall Ski and Snowboard Centre, which will feature a 180m main slope with Snowflex surface, a 100m halfpipe and a 40m toboggan run, as well as a function room, a bar and a restaurant.

Mark and Steve Bucknell are behind the development, and Mark Bucknell said: "The delays involved were unfortunate and will inevitably have an impact on our planned development programme which is currently under review.

"We are grateful to all those who have such belief in the potential of our project to deliver year round tourism benefits to the local area and the region. We will now begin to evaluate our construction programme."

Funding for the project is already in place through private donations, although no exact completion date has been specified.