A free course for anyone with an interest in Cornwall’s maritime history has been launched.

The five-week course starts on February 19, as part of the Penwith Points of View Project and is being organised by Bewnans Kernow in conjunction with the Cornish Maritime Trust.

Each session will be led by an authority on Cornwall's maritime environment, including historian Tony Pawlin, author John McWilliams and the chairman of the Cornish Maritime Trust, Adam Kerr.

The development of Cornish sea-going vessels as well as trade and communications to and from Cornwall and the fishing industry will be all be covered on the course.

The final session will be a special trip on the historic lugger The Barnabas that is moored in Penzance Harbour.

Jane Howells, co-ordinator of the Penwith Points of View Project, said: “This is a rare opportunity to gain an all round understanding of the world of Cornish fishing and sea transport from leading experts in the field. The Cornish culture courses being held in Madron are becoming very popular and this series of talks will cover a wide range of themes on Cornwall's maritime heritage as well as the current situation.”

The course runs from February 19, to March 12, from 7.15pm to 9pm, at the Billiard Room, Landithy Hall, Madron, with the field trip arranged at a later weekend date.

To reserve a place on Cornwall's Maritime History, contact admin@bewnanskernow.org.

The Penwith Points of View project is a two-year heritage and culture programme taking place in the Madron area. The project is run by Bewnans Kernow, the partnership of Cornish cultural organisations.

More details can be found on their website at www.bewnanskernow.org