A MINING firm operating in the North-East has confirmed it has secured funding to manage the closure of two deep mines.

UK Coal says a deal, including a £4m Government commercial loan and support from partners, will allow it to close Kellingley Colliery, in Yorkshire, and Thoresby Colliery, in Nottinghamshire.

The company still intends to shut the town sites next year, with the loss of about 1,300 jobs.

Andrew Mackintosh, UK Coal communications director, said: “This is a day of very mixed emotions, but it was critical we managed to avoid insolvency and the immediate collapse of the business.

“We are very grateful for the support we have been given and this deal does not prevent fresh investment in the company, even at this late stage.

“We would like to thank the Government, our people, our customers, suppliers and other interested parties for all of their support and will work with them to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.”

UK Coal operates the Park Wall North surface mine, between Crook and Wolsingham, in County Durham, and further surface mines near Morpeth and Ashington, in Northumberland.