A COMMUNITY’S new mining banner was blessed at a special service at the village war memorial on Friday (September 9).

The Cockfield Miners’ Banner was last used in the 1940s by miners at the nearby Gordon House Colliery but it has since disappeared without a trace.

Earlier this year, however, a new banner, funded by Durham county councillors Heather Smith and Andy Turner, was commissioned and proudly displayed at Durham Miners' Gala.

The banner was created by children from Cockfield Primary School and their families with help from Durham Bannermakers artist, Emma Shankland.

On Friday, pupils, parents and teachers marched to the war memorial, where youngsters read prayers and Reverend Claire Gibbs blessed the banner.

Headteacher Kathryn Heatherington said: “It has been a lovely project and it is wonderful to celebrate our heritage in this way. The banner is now in a prominent position in the school hall but it’s also available for the community to use at events.”