A COMMUNITY will launch its new miners’ banner with a parade followed by a dedication service at the weekend.

The parade, accompanied by the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, will set off from West Rainton Primary School in West Rainton, near Durham, at noon on Sunday, June 1.

The procession will stop at Springfield Lodge residential home to show off the banner, before heading to St Mary's Church, arriving at around 12.30pm.

The banner will then be dedicated, before a lunch celebration event in the churchyard.

The project, which has taken almost two years to come to fruition,has been made possible through the hard work of West Rainton Primary School and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

West Rainton Primary School head teacher Alison McDonough said: “The banner, designed by the pupils and community members, was created by Bearpark cooperative artists.

"It will be making its debut at Durham Miners’ Gala on July 12 - meaning West Rainton and nearby Leamside will be represented for the first time in over 30 years.”

The whereabouts of the original Adventure Colliery banner is unknown.

The banner will be blessed in Durham Cathedral on Gala day. The school will be providing free transport.