TWO pit banners from neighbouring County Durham villages have stood side by side for the first time in almost 100 years.

Trimdon Grange Colliery banner and the recent replica of the Trimdon Colliery banner were united yesterday as part of a celebration of mining heritage in the area.

David Gibson, chairman of Trimdon Grange Lodge Banner Group, believes the last time they were seen together was at the laying of the first stone of the miners’ homes in Trimdon Grange’s Hopper Terrace which were completed in December 1924.

As part of Trimfest, a programme of events which champions bringing cultures together, the iconic pieces of industrial history formed the backdrop of The Wind Road Boys at Trimdon Community College, in Trimdon Village.

A play about the North-East’s mining heritage, it was adapted for the performance last night by production company Enter CIC to reference the 1882 Trimdon Grange pit disaster and to commemorate the 74 men and boys who lost their lives.

Trimdon Parish Council clerk Anne Delandre said: “We’re just thrilled that we’ve had this opportunity to be the first organisation to bring the banners together. It’s been a wonderful chance for people to come down and see the banners as well as experience a really emotional and educational evening.”

Trimdon Colliery banner was this year brought back to life using a fragment from the 125-year-old original and it appeared for the first time in more than 100 years at Durham Miners’ Gala this summer, with the Trimdon Grange Colliery banner.

But the pair had never till now been placed side by side.

Trimfest was launched on Thursday and continues to run across venues in the Trimdons until October 27.

For details call 01429 881521.