Visitors to a rebranded North tourist attraction near Alston in Cumbria are being given the chance to go underground into a 1920s mine.

Nent Valley - the Secret Adventure, is the new name for a cluster of attractions grouped along the borderlands of Durham, Cumbria's Eden Valley, and Northumberland.

And as well as the chance to investigate Carr's Mine, visitors can also peer down the 328 feet deep Brewery Shaft, and pan for iron pyrites, or "fool's gold", nearby.

Claire Blake, marketing manager for Nent Valley, said the rebranding was to increase awareness of what was on offer at the 200 acre site.

Viewing platform

She said: "Although we are based on a former lead mining site, there is more here than just mines.

"The Power of Water is a huge wooden interactive structure, with three water wheels and other machinery - all controlled with levers operated by the visitor.

"There is a viewing platform built across one side of Brewery Shaft, so visitors can gaze down into the depths.

Claire Blake: "More to site than just mines"

"A "virtual stone" demonstration lights the way of an imaginary pebble being dropped down the shaft and splashing into the water below.

"And there are exhibition areas and original stone buildings housing displays about the area's industrial and social heritage."

Underground tours along the last section of Carr's Mine take about an hour, and emerge from the hillside beside a waterfall on the Nent River.

Those taking part are provided with hard hats and lamps, but visitors have to dress suitably for the cold and damp conditions.

Visitors can also go panning for minerals and "fools gold", on the site which includes stunning woodlands and fauna.