Radio stations from around the world will be exchanging greetings over the airwaves with the English Riviera Global Geopark next month as amateur radio operators transmit live from Kents Cavern in Torquay, right in the heart of the English Riviera Global Geopark.

Using a special event call sign, GB6GEO, radio hams will establish contact with other radio stations around Britain, Europe and the world from a base set up outside the entrance to Kents Cavern, Devon's internationally famous Stone Age cave and gateway to the English Riviera Global Geopark.

This international communication event is taking place on Sunday 25th May as part of European Geopark Weeks which run from 24 May to 6 June.

On the same day, Kents Cavern is also hosting its annual "Flint and Fire Day", when one of Britain's leading prehistoric technologist, Karl Lee, will be back at Kents Cavern turning flint cores into perfect replicas of ancient hand tools. He will also
demonstrate the ancient art of making fire.

Dr Patrick McKeever, vice-coordinator for the European Geoparks Network and an advisor for UNESCO's Network of Global Geoparks, commented: "I liked this initiative straight away. It is novel and an innovative way to raise the awareness of Geoparks not only at the local level but to a global audience."

"This year, UNESCO is celebrating International Year of Planet Earth and the European Geoparks Network is very much involved in this. This event is exactly the kind of event the Global Geoparks Network is keen to encourage. This could develop into an annual event staged across the entire Global Geoparks Network."

Nick Powe, Chairman of the English Riviera Global Geopark and 5th Generation owner of Kents Cavern added: "Interest in the Global Geoparks Network and its Geo-tourism potential is gaining momentum around the world. Globally, the Geopark designation is recognised as a powerful way to bring economic benefits through the development of Geo-tourism activities and promoting Geo-diversity of the Geopark area."