FUNDRAISERS have moved a step closer to extending underground tours at the National Coal Mining Museum.

The attraction at Overton, near Flockton, is trying to raise £2.7m for its Making Sense of Mining project. The money will be used to open new underground roadways with interactive displays.

The Wolfson Fund has pledged £30,000 to the project, taking the total raised to £2.5m.

Museum director Margaret Faull said: “We’re delighted to receive this grant as it takes us closer to the total we need for this very exciting project.

“The new roadways will add 650 metres and provide visitors with more tour options.”