A BANNER used by workers during the General Strike of 1926 and which disappeared 50 years ago is to go on show in its hometown.

The silk banner was used by the Bishop Auckland branch of the National Union of Railwaymen as its members protested against poor wages and conditions.

It was unfurled at the strike which saw transport workers, miners and railway men take to the streets in protest at conditions in the mines.

The strike officially ran between May 4 and 13 but the miners stayed out for several more months until they were forced back to work.

Among the banners held aloft by the strikers was the one from the Bishop Auckland railwaymen.

The oil painted double-sided silk standard dating from 1915 depicts a group of railway workers being urged to strive for a better future.

It was used until the 1960s when it disappeared.

Bishop Auckland Station History Group rediscovered it at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon recently.

It will go on show in the throne room at Auckland Castle on Saturday (May 9) and Sunday. (May 10)

This will be the first time that the 14ft by 10ft banner will have been on show in Bishop Auckland since the 1960s.

Gerald Slack, of the history group, said: “The general view was that it was gone and would never be seen again.

“It’s in tremendous condition and is a local treasure. It is fantastic that it is going on public display in its home town.”

It is hoped to find a permanent location in Bishop Auckland for the banner.

The castle is open between 10am and 4pm. Entry is £6 for adults, £5 concessions and free to under-16s. Details via aucklandcastle.org