A colossal metal Cornish miner will loom over Camborne on August 3 as part of a visit to Cornwall's mining heartlands.

Part man, part machine, The Man Engine is the largest mechanical puppet ever to be built in Britain: only 4.5 metres tall when he crawls down the road but reaching more than 10 metres in height when he stands.

That transformation will happen when enough people sing and Camborne is one of the places along the Man Engine’s route from Tavistock to Geevor Mine that vocal participation from the crowd will form part and parcel of the entertainment.

When the Man Engine appears in the birthplace of Richard Trevithick he will be joined by his friend Levantosaur, in an event organised by the BID Camborne team with funding support from Camborne Town Council.

BID Manager Mel Martin said: “It will be a unique, very special day for everyone concerned and we’re delighted to be sharing it with thousands of visitors in celebration of ten years of Cornwall’s mining landscape being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Camborne is at the heart of that unique history and Wednesday 3 August will be our opportunity to demonstrate how proud that makes us feel.”

In addition to the Man Engine parade, the Levantosaur, a produce market and a tin miner living statue, BID businesses are also being encouraged to come up with some creative window displays in a competition being run by Camborne Chamber of Commerce.

Mel said: “This is a whole-town effort and we’re expecting the atmosphere to be electric and great fun.

“A wide variety of traditional Cornish food will be a focal point with pasties, cream teas and saffron buns in abundance.”

The Man Engine will be in Camborne from 11am until 1pm on Wednesday, August 3.