The visit by the giant Man Engine to Liskeard on Tuesday, July 26, will be a huge event for the town.

As anticipation builds, the Cornish Times has linked up with the organisers to announce a photographic competition.

The theme of the competition will be ‘The Spirit of the Man Engine in Liskeard’.

The competition is open to all ages and the pictures submitted should show something of Liskeard and the fun and excitement surrounding the mechanical giant puppet during the visit on the Parade from midday.

The best photograph, in the opinion of the judges, will be featured in the Cornish Times.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: ‘Artists and storytellers will be circulating around the town to mark the arrival of the colossal puppet in Liskeard, the first Cornish town of his journey through to the west.

’Miners and bal-maidens (female surface workers, who used to sort the miners’ ore) will be encouraging the Man Engine to steam and hiss.

‘Singers and musicians will be encouraging the puppet to transform into a giant miner, nearly the height of three doubledecker buses.

‘Shopkeepers will be dressing their shops and cafes for the event, so there should be plenty of scope to record this unrepeatable event for posterity.

‘There will also be the chance to try the famous Liskeard Bun, some special pasties and a Proper Cakey Tea.’

Details of how to enter the photographic competition will be given in the Cornish Times on Friday, July 22.

The Man Engine is part of the Tinth celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Sites.