Following the success of last year's Open Day at Cornwall Record Office, the public is being offered another opportunity to take a look behind the scenes and talk to staff about using its world renowned archives on Saturday, May 12.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take a tour of the strong rooms and learn more about the fascinating range of collections held in the Record Office.

Last year's open day attracted a large number of people who had never visited the record office before. The aim this year's event is to encourage more families to come and find out about the treasures it holds and the stories connected with them.

To celebrate the "Designation" of the record office's hard-rock mining collection and Cornwall's World Heritage Site status, staff will be exhibiting material on the theme of mining in Cornwall, including a series of stunning photographs from the World Heritage Site. Members of the public are invited to come and hear a Cornish miner's tales of working underground at Geevor Tin Mine, dress up as a Victorian boy or girl from the mines, and handle replica mining tools.

The record office, based at Old County Hall in Truro, contains a wide range of documents dating from the 12th to the 21st century, including thousands of maps, plans, photographs, parchment documents and volumes containing information on local families and their estates, businesses, industry, churches, schools and villages.

Highlights include the prestigious Boulton and Watt Collection, which records the late 18th century history of engineering in Cornwall, and the internationally acclaimed hard rock mining collection.

Anyone interested in going along to this free event is asked to book their space beforehand by contacting the Record Office on 01872 323127 or emailing: cro@cornwall.gov.uk