FIVE years ago this week, the Queen led mourners at the ceremonial funeral of former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher in St Paul's Cathedral, as thousands lined the streets of London.

Lady Thatcher, who had died the week before aged 87, was given full military honours, with the coffin bearing her body brought in procession to the cathedral on a gun carriage drawn by six black horses.

At St Paul's, a congregation of more than 2,300 included all of her successors as prime minister –Sr John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron – as well as dignitaries from 170 countries.

Hailing Lady Thatcher's "perseverance and courage", the bishop recalled the obstacles she had to overcome to enter Parliament as a woman in 1959 and rise to lead the Conservative Party.

In Easington, County Durham, former miners marked the 20th anniversary of the pit closing – some said it was a coincidence the gathering took place on the same day as the funeral, while others said it was a party to celebrate.

Dave Hopper, the Durham Miners' Association secretary, who wore a T-shirt saying "A generation of trade unionists will dance on Thatcher's grave", said a party was just what it was and it would be a "good knees-up".

"I am vindictive. I'd have shot her," he said. "People are entitled to their opinions. What I'm saying is what I believe."

Reflecting the divided opinions about Lady Thatcher, The Northern Echo published a unique "double" front page, giving news agents the option which one to display – an image from the funeral on one side, and an image from the "party" on the other.

In other news, a driver was killed and several passengers injured when a North-East coach crashed in the French Alps and burst into flames.

The coach was carrying 50 seasonal workers travelling home when driver Maurice Wrightson warned passengers there was a problem with the breaks before driving the coach into trees to avoid the edge of a cliff.

Heath Williams, managing director of TGM, the coach firm's parent company, paid tribute to Mr Wrightson’s quick thinking, which prevented an even worse disaster.

He said: "We are deeply saddened to learn that one of our two drivers on board has died. We are offering our full support to his family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

And a charity fundraiser swapped the desert for heights as he led 130 people on a 150ft zipwire from St James’ Park.

BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Simon Pryde took part in the challenge to raise funds for the Newcastle United Foundation, which works with disadvantaged children across the region.

He had recently returned from the Marathon des Sables foot race in Morocco, which spans 155 miles of desert in only six days.

Mr Pryde said: "The experience was absolutely fantastic and I am so pleased to support the Newcastle United Foundation, which does amazing work in the community."