THREE talks to be given by José Henriquez, one of the Chilean miners trapped 2,300ft underground for two months last year, have already been booked out.

The 55-year-old, pictured right, is due to speak at Grove Parish Church on Tuesday at 7.30pm, to staff at the Church Mission Society in Watlington Road, Cowley, Oxford, on Thursday, and Oxford Town Hall the same day at 7.30pm.

Accompanying drill operator Mr Henriquez, and acting as translator, will be Alf Cooper, chaplain to the President of Chile and a Mission Society partner.

Mike Burke, a spokesman for the society, said: “When the rescue was taking place one billion people worldwide watched on TV.

“There is a tremendous amount of interest in this tour.”

Grove church was selected as one of the venues because Mr Cooper has close links with some members of the congregation.

Mr Burke added: “To put things into context, after this tour José is planning to attend a prayer breakfast with American President Barack Obama.”

Graham Mundy, clerk to Grove Parish Council, said: “It’s amazing to think that a Chilean miner is coming to Grove.

“He’s got an amazing life story to tell.”

Other venues on the UK tour, which begins on Sunday in London, include Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London and Durham Cathedral.