They include Thomas Newcomen who was born in Dartmouth in 1663 and who designed the world’s first successful atmospheric steam engine.

An ironmonger by trade, Newcomen realised that mine owners in Cornwall faced considerable difficulties with flooding.

His invention in 1712, which pumped water using a vacuum created by condensed steam, earned him a place as one of the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution.

Dartmouth Visitor Centre is home to the Newcomen Memorial Engine - the oldest preserved steam engine in the world.

About a dozen Dartmouth Cub Scouts visited the centre’s engine house where they were shown around by manger Karen Perrow.

They were able to see the working engine, now powered by hydraulics instead of the steam boiler.

The youngsters are working towards their Local Knowledge badge and have also taken part in a quiz around the town and visited the Britannia Royal Naval College.