Black Country Museum staff want to bring the site's colliery back to life and are asking for your help to do it.

Between 29 Nov - 2 Dec, staff will be taking part in the Big Give’s #ChristmasChallenge to raise money to bring this incredible story of steam and industry to life. All donations made online via theBigGive.org.uk will be matched pound for pound.

Coal mines and collieries were the heart and soul of the Black Country, fuelling the industrial development of the region and helping to create the world we live in today. Bosses want visitors to be able to experience this story for themselves and to do this they're going to revitalise the site's Racecourse Colliery. 

When the project is finished, visitors will be able to see Charlie the pit pony pull the ‘tub’ along the restored tramway, a pit cage that will show how miners were lowered into the shaft, demonstrations at a new Blacksmith’s Forge and light and sound installations - as well a host of new characters to talk to about the region’s industrial past, and the stories of real people who once worked at the colliery.

Anybody wishing to make a contribution can visit the museum's profile on the Big Give website to watch a video about the project. Then, from 12pm on 29th November, you can make your donation at the same site and make a difference this Christmas.