CHILDREN will be able to experience life at a coal face at a new heritage centre earmarked for Biddulph.

The recreation of a pit face is one of the exciting attractions planned for the Biddulph Millennium Arts and Heritage Centre.

A group of local people are hoping to redevelop a vacant town centre building into a home for the centre and amateur dramatic group Biddulph Players.

The scheme is set to cost £250,000, and local businesses are being invited to give their financial backing to the ambitious project.

"The centre would be a dynamic, hands-on interactive experience on the lines of York's Jorvik Centre and the Wigan Pier Centre,'' said Barry Stanway, who is spearheading the project.

"The centre would focus on the heritage and history of the Biddulph Valley, and one of the ideas is for a simulated pit face.

"The centre would be aimed at young and old, and we're looking for financial support and expertise.''

A group of trustees has been formed to take the project forward, and are looking to buy a two-storey former shop in Biddulph High Street, which is due to go up for sale next month.

Mr Stanway is also looking at another building for a craft centre.

Anyone interested in supporting the heritage scheme can ring 01782-769344.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.