This year will mark 100 years since the beginning of the First World War Battle of the Somme.

So the WW1 Living History Group are returning to the 2016 Royal Cornwall Show to create an authentic trench from this era that those attending the show will be able get inside and explore.

The group will be on hand to impart their extensive knowledge of the war and Amanda Durden, chair of the WW1 Living Group, is looking forward to enabling show-goers to have even more interactive experience this time around 

’After the response we had at the 2014 show we decided that this year we would let the public experience trench life so that they may get some sense of the conditions men were under during the Somme,’ she said.

In 1916 Cornwall’s farmers were still working flat out in the fields, struggling to produce enough food to feed the nation and the armed forces. On the front line Cornishmen found themselves at the sharp end of the conflict.

Cornish tin miners were recruited to fulfil a very important role at the front. In fact, they were actually well beneath it.

The tin miners were drafted in to the 252nd Tunnelling Company, part of the Royal Engineers. Their mining skills were put to good use and tasked with burrowing under enemy lines and detonating explosives to gain all important ground in the struggle for control.

Christopher Riddle, secretary of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, organisers of the Royal Cornwall Show said: ’The detail and accuracy of the WW1 Living History Group’s display was exceptional two years ago and our visitors thoroughly enjoyed learning more about that era. We’re sure that the public will enjoy this interactive experience and getting inside a trench from that period will bring the story to life.’

The Royal Cornwall Show takes place at Wadebridge on  June 9, 10 and 11. For more information visit   www.royalcornwall.co.uk.