An ambitious campaign to create a lasting legacy in Mansfield to the area’s mining community and heritage has been launched.

The tribute — a sculpture and educational attraction — would be sited in Berry Hill Park, Mansfield, but focus on the industry in Nottinghamshire.

Now the Shining A Light Mining Statue Working Group is aiming to raise £30,000 and wants the public to have their say on ideas for the memorial, including designs for the statue.

The community-led project is being spearheaded by Mansfield-based Nottinghamshire Mining Museum, based at Mansfield Railway Station. The museum has been shining a light on mining history on its website, www.nottsminingmuseum.org.uk

Shining A Light spokesperson and museum volunteer Ann Donlan said: “Pit accidents and industrial diseases have left deep and unacknowledged scars across generations of local mining families.

“Our sculpture will provide a focus for memory-linked events and be a source of education, pride, and inspiration for generations to come.

“Everyone recognises we have only a few years to act before Nottinghamshire’s mining history passes out of living memory.”

More than 3,000 miners died in Nottinghamshire pits and Ann said the sculpture would shine a light on that enormous sacrifice, which campaigners have dubbed They Died In Darkness’.

Miners, through their welfare trust, funded parks, sports centres, hospitals, and technical colleges in many towns and villages in the county. Shining A Light wants to ensure that community spirit and generosity of miners is not forgotten.

Ann added: “The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of miners will learn about their mining ancestors and feel pride in their achievements.”

The first phase of the project aims to raise £30,000 and will see sculptor Rachel Carter visit schools and communities across Nottinghamshire, alongside volunteers from Nottinghamshire Mining Museum, to gather community ideas and design a statue for the park.

At an official launch for the project, pupils from Asquith Primary School,Mansfield, who had previously been visited by former miners from the museum, gave a presentation on their coal mining learning.

Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams said: “There is so much passion and commitment to ensure future generations learn about the stories and sacrifices of our mining heritage.”

To make a donation to the appeal to create a permanent memorial to the 3,000 miners who died in Nottinghamshire pits, and develop materials for schools to pass on the history to future generations, go to www.nottsminingmuseum.org.uk/shining-a-light