A new Helston Heritage Trail leaflet packed full of fascinating, easy-to-read facts and evocative images of Helston in bygone times, is due to be launched on Friday.

Helston was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Henlistone’ and other records exist suggesting that it dates back even further to the 9th Century, when Saxon King Alfred the Great ruled Wessex.

The refreshed trail is designed to be of interest to both local residents and visitors, with a core route including 11 notable heritage features marked by numbered slate plaques bearing Helston’s symbolic flower, the Lily of the Valley.

Two new plaques have been added, one for the Central Methodist Church and another for the former Passmore Edwards Science and Art School, now owned by the Cornubian Arts and Science Trust (CAST) and used for exhibitions, artists’ studios and a café.

Helston mayor John Martin said: "The text and images in the new trail leaflet combine to bring Helston’s long and proud history to life. It will be a useful marketing tool which will help to attract visitors and encourage them to linger in the town centre."

The trail has three optional spurs that can either be walked separately or together with the core route. To complement the trail leaflet a heritage quiz for young people of all ages will be available as an insert.

Translations into other languages including Cornish, French, Spanish, German and Italian have been commissioned.

The new leaflet replaces the previous one which was originally produced in 1999 and includes a distinctive fold-out map of similar design to that on the existing town mapboards.

The mapboards have now been provided with colourful information bars highlighting the Heritage Trail and the availability of the new leaflets. Electronic copies are available from the Council’s website, (www.helston-tc.gov.uk) and paper copies from the Guildhall, Museum of Cornish Life, Helston and other outlets, both versions being free of charge.

The project has been led and funded by the town council, working in partnership with representatives of the Museum of Cornish Life, Cornwall Council and the local community.

Content research and drafting of the text was carried out by Suzie Inman of Mightier Words Ltd, reflecting advice and information from local historians Patrick Carroll and Martin Mathews.

The graphics for the leaflet were designed by John Martin Photographic Design.