Underground tours restart at coal mining museum

Underground tours exploring coal mining in West Yorkshire have resumed, after being halted for more than three months to allow new equipment to be installed.

Tours at the National Museum of Coal Mining, in Wakefield, were paused in December to allow a new winding engine - which powers the mine's lift - to be fitted.

The tours have now resumed, transporting visitors 459ft (140m) below the surface for a glimpse of what life was like for pit workers.

Guided by former miners, visitors will be able to crawl through a coal seam that is between 300 and 350 million years old, and see "fool's gold".

The new winder powers the cage as it descends into the 230-year-old coal mine.

Winding engines, also known as mine hoists, were crucial for transporting materials up and down the shafts efficiently.

Guide Russ Jones describes the descent: "It's not like being in your bedroom with the curtains closed - or where you might be able to see the stars, or street lighting - it's pitch black."

Mr Jones, who has worked in the mining industry for nearly 40 years, particularly enjoys taking ex-miners on the underground tours.

"As soon as they get that pit smell, riding the cage, you can see it in their eyes, they tear up.

"It's a really brilliant experience for everybody," he said.

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum, said: "We are excited to welcome visitors back to our underground tour.

"It's a truly unique experience, and one which people treasure for a lifetime."

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