Redruth model-maker, Stanley Hocking, 83, has donated three significant models to the National Trust which have gone on display at East Pool Mine and tell an interesting story of the underground workings at Cornish mines.

Stanley has been a volunteer at East Pool for over 25 years and made the models over the past ten years. He has extensive knowledge of Cornish mines and worked underground at South Crofty in the years after the Second World War. He began making mine models in the 1960s when his brother Lester, an engineer, and also a model maker, created a model of a pumping engine.

Stanley’s three models show cut-away sections of different underground workings and help to explain what happens deep beneath our feet. The models have previously been on loan to East Pool Mine and Stanley has now decided that he wants to donate them.

"We are delighted to accept these models,” said John Harvey, visitor experience officer at East Pool. "Stanley visits every week to ensure they are kept in working order and is also a very popular tour guide with many tales to tell from his time working as a miner. The models are a valuable part of our exhibits."

The models are currently on display at East Pool Mine which is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am until 5pm until it closes for the winter on October 29. It will re-open on March 21, 2017.