Mining festival going underground

The festival will highlight the area's mining features

An eight-day festival is being held to celebrate the mining heritage of west Cornwall's coast.

The On The Edge Festival is encouraging people to explore the St Just area and includes a programme of walks and talks looking at wildlife and history.

Experts from the county council, the National Trust and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be leading walks.

The festival, running until Sunday 21 May, also offers a chance for people to go underground at Geevor Tin Mine.

Festival-goers will also have the chance to explore ancient and mysterious stone circles around west Cornwall's wild granite moorland, and hear tales of the county's tin and copper mining industry among the dramatic ruins of cliff-top engine houses.

Elaine Drury of the St Just Heritage Area Regeneration Project, which has subsidised the Festival, said: ''The programme of events has been put together to celebrate all that is special about the St Just area.

"Its dramatic scenery, mysterious ancient sites, amazing wildlife, fascinating mining history and local characters all make this area unique and well worth a visit, especially at this time of year when the cliff top wildflowers are at their most beautiful."