THE bands and banners will be out in force as the reviving fortunes of the Durham Miners' Gala continue on Saturday.

Almost a decade after the closure of the last pits in the Durham Coalfield, the mining heritage of former colliery communities across the county is taking greater prominence.

Many old lodge banners, long-since gathering cobwebs in back rooms of village halls and community centres, are being dusted down and in some cases renewed to once more take part in the 119th Big Meeting parade past the VIP balcony at the County Hotel in Old Elvet to the Racecourse.

Firebrand Labour MP Dennis Skinner is hoping to fulfil his pledge to take his place on the speakers' platform, despite recent heart surgery.

He is expected to be joined by Fire Brigade Union leader Andy Gilchrist and other prominent members of the international trade unionist community.

While much of the crowd will enjoy the Racecourse fun fair, many from the former mining communities will make their way to Durham Cathedral for the annual Gala day service, where Tony Benn is due to give the address.

Issues of the 21st century carry forward the Big Meeting's heritage of protest.

This year, youngsters from Browney Primary School at Meadowfield, near Durham, joining the parade behind the banner of the former Browney Colliery, marching in support of their school which is among the 23-shortlisted for potential closure by the county council.

Human rights group Amnesty International will also be out in force, asking gala-goers to sign a 'photo petition' in support of its Tough Arms Control campaign.

Anyone offering to add their name to the list will have their picture captured on digital camera on the Amnesty stall, near Bath's Bridge.

* Durham residents have been warned to apply for special permits before this weekend's Gala or risk having their cars towed away.

A number of roads in and around the city will be closed to traffic from 7.30am until teatime. They include: Framwelgate Bridge, the Market Place, Saddler Street, Owengate, North and South Bailey, Dun Cow Lane, Bow Lane, Silver Stret, Elvet Bridge, New Elvet Bridge, Territorial Lane, Elvet Waterside, Court Lane, Elvet Crescent, Old Elvet, New Elvet, Church Street and Whinney Hill.

Only buses will be allowed along Hallgarth Street between its junction with Church Street, New Elvet and Stockton Road roundabout.