BODMIN Jail will reopen to the public this autumn following an £8.5million redevelopment – and people living in the PL31 area have until the end of today (Friday 14) to register for a free locals’ preview.

When the attraction opens on October 1, it will feature a brand-new immersive Dark Walk experience, using technology and theatrical effects to transport visitors to scenes within the walls of the 18th century prison. You’ll be able to go behind bars for a taste of the life and hardships experienced by inmates, and view the only working execution pit in the country.

Bodmin Jail will also depict courtroom scenes, telling the stories of three real-life prisoners – and visitors will be offered an all-night After Dark experience.

500 free tickets are being made available for local residents for visits starting the week of September 7. To register (which must be done by 4.30pm on Friday August 14) head to the Bodmin Jail Facebook page or website at www.bodminjail.org/exclusive-locals-previews/

’We appreciate the support of the community while all of the development work has been taking place and as a thank you would like to welcome our neighbours as priority visitors before we open fully to the public,’ said general manager, Martin Lyall.

’The Bodmin Jail Attraction is a real celebration of the history and heritage of the area and shines the light on the people and events that shaped the town that we know and love today.

’I can’t wait for locals to experience this exciting new chapter in the history of Bodmin Jail.’