The people of Camborne have expressed their delight at Royal Mint plans to include Camborne's most famous son Richard Trevithick on their new £2 coin.

The new coin was released last week to celebrate the bicentenary of the Trevithick's steam-powered locomotive the 'Penydarren Engine', designed in 1804 - 25 years before George Stephenson won the Rainhill Trials with his rocket.

News of the coin has already been welcomed by members of the Camborne based Trevithick Society who argue that the achievements of the son of a mine captain equal those of more famous Britons such as Watt and Brunel.

Last week the Packet hit the streets of Camborne to see what residents of Trevithick's birth place thought about the immortalising of the great man's achievements on the nation's currency.

"Glad"

Retired engineer Brian Amers who moved to Camborne two years ago said that he was glad Trevithick and Camborne were being put on the map. "When people think of steam engines they think of Stephenson but this guy invented it years before. I knew about Trevithick because of what I do, but other people in the country haven't unless they've been down here on holiday.

"I think its good for the town, people seem to run Camborne down for some reason but it's got a great history," he added.

Another resident Doreen Corrall, who runs the Save the Children charity shop agreed saying: "I think it's really good for the town and I think all the people who live here will think so too."

"More tourists"

Bakery assistant Tracey Pascoe said she hoped the coin might attract more tourists to the town once they were aware of its heritage. "People don't know who he is, but they will soon. I thinks it's a great idea," she said.

"Great idea"

Pensioner Irene Barker said she thought the idea was great for the town, but doubted how many people would keep them as memorabilia. "You can't keep them all can you," said the lifetime Camborne resident.

"Coin not relevant"

The only voice of dissent were the youth of the town who said that Camborne needed more than a commemorative coin to put the area back on the map. Musician Scott Bressington said: "It was a long time ago and not really relevant now. He's already got a statue and I think they could do more with the money."

"More opportunity, not a coin"

Former student Miriam Walker added: "Camborne needs more opportunity for young people, not a coin."

The coin is currently available in special presentation packs for £7, but it will be several months before the coin is in the nation's pockets.