A STATUE of the Mermaid of Zennor was unveiled at St Ives station on Tuesday (March 17) to encourage families to discover the landscapes behind South West myths and legends.

The legend of the mermaid who enchants local man Matthew Trewhella is retold in Great Western Railway’s (GWR) new collection of myths and legends, The Line to Legend Land. First published more than a century ago, the book features 11 legends from across the South West and Wales - including a new one by former Children’s Laureate and War Horse author, Sir Michael Morpurgo, about the Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey.

Statues have also been installed on platforms including Castle Cary (Excalibur) and Bristol Temple Meads (the Giants of Avon Gorge). Dan Panes, GWR Head of External Communications, said: “Our goal was to create an immersive world where these myths step out of the stories and onto our stations, bringing the legends to life for everyone who travels with us.”

The mermaid also features in the Cornish Myths and Legends exhibition at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, which opens on March 31 and runs until November. Collections manager Jeni Woolcock said: “Cornwall's legends are linked inseparably with the landscape we know and love. Fireside stories have been passed down through the generations and form part of Cornwall’s strong regional identity.

“Grab a copy of The Line to Legend Land, jump on a train to Truro, and see the exhibition for yourself.”

The Line to Legend Land campaign supports the charity Farms for City Children, founded by Sir Michael and Lady Clare Morpurgo, which is celebrating 50 years of providing children and young people with life-changing opportunities to thrive on working farms.

GWR has donated copies of the book to 500 primary schools. It is also available to buy from gwrsouvenirs.co.uk or as a free PDF download from GWR.com/legends.