WINSFORD Town Council is offering lucky residents the chance to take a trip down the country’s oldest working mine.

Salt Fair 2014 will celebrate Winsford’s proud industrial past with a packed programme of events between September 17-21.

And as part of the festivities, the authority has teamed up with Salt Union Limited to offer a rare up-close glimpse of the town’s hidden industrial present – the Winsford Rock Salt Mine.

Salt Fair organiser, Clr Steve Smith, said: “For me, the Winsford Salt Mines are one of the world’s great wonders, yet they’re something that very few people have the opportunity to see.

“It’s an incredible place; completely unique. This is a prize that money can’t buy, and will be a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience for whoever wins.”

The mines are an enormous series of tunnels that extend for miles across mid-Cheshire, 200 metres below the surface.

As well as excavating millions of tonnes of salt for Britain’s winter roads each year, they also act as deep-storage for treasures including Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s original blueprints and Oxford Bodleian Library manuscripts.

Four lucky winners will be able to enjoy the unique underground experience on Saturday, October 4 by answering the following question – which reflects Salt Fair 2014’s focus on First World War centenary commemorations:-

‘How many men from the Winsford works of the Salt Union Ltd gave their lives in the Great War?’

Download an application form from the Winsford Town Council’s website www.winsford.gov.uk or pick up a form from ASDA or the council offices in the Drumber.

Post or hand the completed form in to Winsford Town Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH, or email your entry to mail@winsford.gov.uk.

Closing date is September 13. Winsford Salt Queen, Chelsee Fulham, will draw the first four correct entries during the Salt Fair on Saturday, September 20. Winners will be notified immediately.

Minimum age for entry is 16.

Keep up with preparations and news for the Salt Fair on Twitter @SaltFair and on Facebook.