THEY were dark, dirty and dangerous places to work but coal mines were once the lifeblood of communities across the North-East.

Rows of red brick terrace houses grew around the pits which provided work for generations of boys and men.

The work was far from glamorous and hundreds of miners, including children, lost their lives toiling to build a future for their families and for their communities.

On Saturday, a County Durham village near Sedgefield came together to unveil a memorial sculpture and pay tribute to the thousands of miners on whose efforts their particular community depended.

More than three years of planning and fundraising by the Fishburn Millennium Group went into creating the memorial, which is now a centrepiece of the village green.

The sculpture, by Northumberland artist Keith Maddison, is of a life-size bronze miner encased in blocks of sandstone, who appears to be emerging from a shaft.

It was unveiled by village GP Dr Keith Beveridge and blessed by local vicar the Reverend Susan Richardson, accompanied by music from Fishburn Brass Band.

Christine Luke, chair of Fishburn Millennium Group, said when it was formed three years ago members wanted to remember the colliery because it was at the heart of Fishburn from 1911 to 1973.

She said of the ceremony: "The turn-out was just marvellous and the sculpture is amazing.

"At first we hoped the sculpture would be a 6ft2 bronze miner but that would cost £22,000 so we set a realistic target and the result is stunning.

"Keith Maddison has been very clever and has created an attractive sculpture which is very atmospheric. It will be even more so when it is completed with a miner's lamp.

"The whole community, including local businesses, has backed the project because it is so important to remember the area's heritage.

"The colliery sites are woodland now, which is beautiful, but their history could easily be forgotten. Hopefully, the sculpture will help people remember."

Former pitman Ned looks to the future

The ceremony was emotional for many residents whose husbands, fathers and grandfathers worked at Fishburn Colliery, not least Ned Payne-Troughton.

At 92, he is believed to be the oldest surviving former miner in the village.

Two weeks after leaving school, Mr Payne-Troughton followed his father, Edward, into the industry.

He worked a short spell at Ushaw Moor and Esh Winning collieries before moving to Fishburn Colliery in 1927.

Mr Payne-Troughton said: "I had always dreamt of being an artist but my parents couldn't afford to send me to art college so it was a life in mining for me.

"I was quite a small lad so it took a while to get used to the heavy physical work. I'd do eight hours, most days of the week, for about 13 shillings.

"Mineworkers are the most honest, dedicated and sociable people you could ever meet and always modest. That is why a sculpture to the mine is so important.

"My generation would never forget the mines but we need to show people moving to the area and youngsters about the village's roots.

"I'm pleased the sculpture will be seen by everyone passing through the village because it acknowledges those who gave their lives for the lifeblood of the county."