Albion Stone’s Mine Manager, Mark Godden, and the Assistant Mine Manager, Tony Booker, will be taking small groups of people into the company's Portland limestone mines, through the galleries and up to the working faces during an open day (actually 8.30am to 1pm) on 8 June.

They will give explanations for the reasons for mining rather than quarrying and talk about methods of extraction using Fantini saws (which are track mounted diamond bladed chainsaws) and Hydrobags (water filled steel pillows used to heave stone from its natural bed).

Albion Stone carefully monitors the roof and walls to ensure there are no movements and details of this highly accurate measuring process will be explained during the visit, together with the unique geology of the island.

The company previously ran successful open days at Bowers Mine in 2003 and at Jordans Mine in 2010. Its mining operations have developed since then and the mining team at Albion Stone is proud to show members of the public the excellent work it has completed and explain why it believes this will continue to be the future for extraction on Portland.

Entry is free, although a donation to the ‘Portland Community Partnership’ would be much appreciated.

Visitors are asked to wear wellies or stout walking boots. High visibility jackets and hard hats will be supplied.

Anyone who would like to have a visit should call Albion's Portland office on 01305 860369 to book, or email an enquiry to the address below.