A major new free temporary exhibition at Mansfield Museum is proving popular.

The Life Of A Coalminer, which will run until Saturday, 2nd June, is all about the world of the Nottinghamshire coal-field throughout the 20th Century.

The exhibition attempts to capture not just the rigours and dangers of life at the coal-face but also something of the flavour of the closely-knit communities whose lives revolved around ‘Th’Pit.

There is a chance to explore a typical day underground in a basic mock-up of life below the surface.

There is also an opportunity, through hundreds of photographs, to look back at the vibrant social life of the pit villages, from galas and days out to sports clubs and coal queens.

A major feature of the exhibition is the co-operation and enthusiastic involvement the museum received from several mining-focused heritage groups. The exhibition has been put together in partnership with Bilsthorpe Heritage, Pleasley Pit Trust and Nottinghamshire Ex & Retired Miners’ Association.

For more information and opening times visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/museum