BOOSTING visitor numbers is the aim of a major £2-million funding package to the mining heritage area of Cornwall and West Devon, which will also pay for the expansion of Tavistock Museum.

The mining landscape World Heritage Site has been awarded the money through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) for its 'Discover the Extraordinary' project to enhance the visitor experience.

Sites earmarked for funding include Morwellham Quay and Tavistock Museum but the awareness of all attractions within the world heritage area will be improved with a new website and marketing campaign.

There will be new interpretations­ of the fascinating stories behind the mining landscapes and attractions, touchscreen kiosks for visitor information and business events for the tourism sector to help develop new products and services linked to the heritage site status.

Tavistock Museum at Court Gate is set to take over the adjoining old librarian's cottage to provide it with office space, thereby freeing up more of the main building for exhibitions.

There are also plans to improve interpretation and introduce an audio trail around Tavistock.

Heritage cabinet member for Cornwall Council Neil Burden said the investment would enable the World Heritage Site partners to realise some of the economic potential which research for the site had identified.

'Much of the World Heritage Site falls within the more rural areas of Cornwall and West Devon and the businesses based here will now have a chance to benefit from the project's aim of increasing sustainable growth in high spending, cultural tourism markets,' he said.

'It will also provide a valuable opportunity to enhance our appeal to overseas tourists, many of whom are looking for high quality, authenticity and local distinctiveness in their holiday destinations.'

Cllr Robin Pike, West Devon Borough Council's mining heritage champion, also welcomed the news.

He said: 'We are delighted that this initiative is taking place across the World Heritage Site, including West Devon, which will complement the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage project and help to attract visitors to Tavistock Museum and the Tamar Valley too.'

A new team has been appointed to co-ordinate the 'Discover the Extraordinary' project led by Gary Jago, who has worked on the Mineral Tramways and Geevor Tin Mine investment programmes during the last four years.

Funding partners include Cornwall Council, Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council.