A modern cafe and a series of workshops is all part of the package as Betteshanger Park prepares to unveil its new mining museum.

After years of anticipation, the doors of the £1.7m Kent Mining Museum, housed inside a brand new £6m visitor centre in Deal, will swing open this Saturday.

Celebrations from 1pm will include a parade of school children, tours, speeches and music from the Betts Band and Snowdown Choir.

The free attraction is the first facility of its kind in the county, telling the unique story of mining communities and the former Betteshanger Colliery.

In addition to the interactive displays, families are also invited to take part in the free activities such as craft-making, creating safety lamps, pit checks and snap tins.

The celebrations roll into the Easter holidays with a series of workshops.

These are all free but booking is advised at: kentminingmuseum.co.uk/blog/events

There are drama workshops with Storytales Theatre on offer, as well as poetry classes with Leo Boix.

Children can 'Meet a Miner' during five sessions on offer, or take part in a photo walk with Elliot Masters.

The venue has also launched a new cafe The Lamp Room, a modern space offering food for all ages. It opened on Monday.

Chairman of The Kent Mining Heritage Foundation (KMHF), Stuart Elgar, said: “We are incredibly proud to be telling the story of the Kent Coalfield and those who lived and worked in it.

"This museum isn’t about a nostalgia trip for elderly miners or their children - it’s for our grandchildren and future generations.

"The story of the 5,000 or so migrating miners is unique in the British coalfields, and it is important that it is kept alive.”

The museum and its staff have been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with further support from Quinn Estates.