Tremendoue interest has been shown in a special coin being minted for Torpoint to mark the new Millennium.

All the children aged under 16 in the town are eligible for a free coin.

Parents have applied for the coins on behalf of their children and some have even asked for the souvenirs for babies who have yet to be born but are due before the end of this year!

The coin is part of Torpoint Town Council's contribution to the Millennium celebrations.

Councillor Mike Pearn said: "We have ordered 2,500 coins from Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd in Birmingham. The coin will be gold in colour and made of metal.

"One side will say 'Millennium 2000' and the other 'Torpoint Town Council 2000' together with a picture of the council's offices in York Road copied from the mayor's chain.

"There are nearly 1,800 youngsters under 16 in the town and the coin is free to them. We've had lots of enquiries from people about buying the coin which will be supplied in a presentation box. The price is still to be decided but the council intends to keep it to a reasonable level.

"We are compiling a book with a list of all the names of children and people in the town who have a coin for the Millennium.

"This will be kept in the town council archives and it will be interesting to look back at the names in years to come."

The idea of mounting two coins with a plaque to present to the first child born to Torpoint parents in the new Millennium is also being considered.