Bosses offer a glimpse of new Cannock Chase mining gallery

The new interactive gallery at the Museum of Cannock Chase – 'Mining Moments' – is set to give an insight into the district's history of coal mining.

It is hoped the new gallery – due to encompass a 'day in the life of a miner' – will be opened by Easter 2014, with work set to begin by Christmas.

The gallery, which will be located in the space where the current dated mining gallery now sits, will include a crawl-through tunnel as well as a whole host of interactive multi-media displays and a chance to explore features of the mines.

Mining Moments is being funded by a £97,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

County archaeologist for Staffordshire, Stephen Dean, described the project as 'exciting' and said he 'could not imagine a better place' for such a display.

"Cannock has such an illustrious mining heritage, so it's great to see it being commemorated in this way," said Mr Dean.

"I can't think of a better place than Cannock Chase Museum to house something like this. This is all part of the area's history and it's very important we understand how people from our past worked."

Local people will be encouraged to get involved in the project by sharing their memories and other stories from the coal mining era and volunteers will be recruited to help with this research.

An education package will be created too, to ensure people of all ages get the maximum benefit from their experience at the museum.

Cabinet member for culture and sport at Cannock Chase Council, Christine Mitchell, said: "The Mining Memories project is very important to the people in the district, who may have worked or had relatives who have worked in the coal mines.

"The project will ensure that a vital piece of history is available for future generations to learn about the heritage of the district."