A MEMORIAL seat paying tribute to more than 50 men who lost their lives at a North-East colliery was unveiled at the weekend.

The sandstone bench was designed to reflect the mining heritage of West Auckland in County Durham and is dedicated to the miners who died between its sinking in 1838 and closure in 1967.

Yesterday (Saturday, December 13), residents gathered for a short yet poignant ceremony, which saw Councillor Hazel Charlton, chairwoman of West Auckland Parish Council, officially unveil the seat in front of the Manor House Hotel.

Cllr Martin Roberts, who also attended, said that although West Auckland was famous as the birthplace of the World Cup its coal mining tradition was less well known.

“Because West Auckland, like many other County Durham villages, doesn’t have colliery in its name many people don’t realise it has a mining heritage,” he said.

“This is very sad and we wanted to do something to change this, especially when he found out more than 50 miners were killed in colliery during the course of its operation.

“The site of the colliery is now housing but we think the seat works better in the centre of the village where everyone can see it.

“I am sure it will be very popular”

Sculptor Beatrice Searle, a trainee stonemason at Lincoln Cathedral, was the guest of honour at the ceremony and spoke of her gratitude to Mark Atkins of Teesdale Architectural Stone for donating the stone and entrusting her with the task of carving it.

Miss Searle, who undertook work experience with the Barnard Castle firm while studying art at Newcastle University, was inspired by the colliery’s coal wagons, along with the natural shape of the stone.

“I am very happy with the outcome and I hope everyone likes it,” she said

“People have been very helpful throughout the process of researching, planning and carving the seat. They have gone above and beyond what I expected to support me and I am so grateful for this opportunity.”

West Auckland Parish Council would like everyone who donated materials and services including: Teesdale Architectural Stone; J.T Atkinson and Sons Building Supplies; Steven Robinson of S. Robinson Builders and John Butterfield plant hire.