The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape has been chosen as the UK’s 2005 nomination for becoming a World Heritage Site.

“World Heritage sites are usually associated with cultural landmarks like the Great Wall of China,” said culture secretary Tessa Jowell, “but industrial landscapes also have a vital role to play in helping unlock the heritage values, knowledge and history upon which civilisations are based.”

Deborah Boden, World Heritage site co-ordinator, said: “Achievement of World Heritage Site status will bring international recognition of the heritage value of area and will be a positive contributor to sustainable tourism initiatives and a stimulus to regeneration projects that conserve and celebrate the region’s unique characteristics.”

The submission, along with those from other countries, will be assessed over the next 12 months.