HISTORIC mining banners carried at rallies and unfurled at strikes over many years went on show today (June 14)

A collection of 19 banners from the North-East pits were on display at Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill Workmen's Club and Institute, County Durham.

Amongst pits represented are Tow Law, Fishburn, Easington and Trimdon. Some of the banners date back to the 1920s and 1930s.

David Chaytor, whose grandfather Joe and uncles George and Bill Chaytor all worked in the mines, helped organise the display.

“There is still a lot of interest in the miners’ banners especially as it is the 30th anniversary of the UK miners’ strike," he said.

“The big meetings in the North-East still attract thousands of people. Some of the banners are from the 1920s and to be able hang them is pretty good.”

Amongst the banners is a replica one for Deaf Hill, near Trimdon - as the original one is at Trimdon Community Centre.

Fishburn Brass Band played at the event, which also included a display of mining memorabilia.