THE largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain is coming to Barnsley next year.

The Man Engine is a real-life Transformer, rising from four metres high to 11.2m when it stands on its legs.

The only Yorkshire stop on its tour will be in Elsecar, where it will be on June 22 and 23 and the team behind the Man Engine, Golden Tree Productions, is already creating a ‘bespoke visual, theatrical and aural experience’ for the Barnsley stop, highlighting the area’s history of iron and coal.

Council spokesman Coun Roy Miller said: “The Man Engine is not only a spectacular event but also a wonderful celebration of the mining industry. It is particularly poignant that it is stopping in Barnsley as part of its ‘Resurrection’ tour as the borough has such strong and long standing connections with the industry.”

Will Coleman, the creator of the Man Engine, said: “Our big boy is setting off in the footsteps of the Cornish Cousin Jacks and we’re delighted that we’re bringing him to Barnsley where mining is a key part of the areas heritage.”