A POPULAR project outlining how to access the rich seam of local mining history is being extended into the New Year.

The Durham Miner Project helps to show interested people how they can carry out their own research into aspects of local colliery heritage.

Free courses will resume in January, running until the end of March, to offer a last chance for would-be researchers to gain the skills necessary to aid studies into mining and more general local history.

They take place in a friendly, supportive and informal setting, and are staged subject to demand.

Information on the courses, which have been staged across the county in the past year, and the venues which will be used is available by ringing the Durham Miner Project, on 0191-383 4478.

Alternatively details are available on the website www.durham-miner.org.uk where previous research can be examined to see what can be achieved.