THE Coal Authority, the successors to the National Coal Board, has publicly backed The Northern Echo's Stanley Burns Pit Memorial Appeal.

The news comes on the eve of a fund- raising exhibition opening at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley.

Every penny raised from the exhibition and separate music and slide show event will go directly towards the cost of building a graveside tribute to 54 men and boys buried in an unmarked mass burial trench.

Part of the exhibition, which runs from tomorrow until Sunday will tell the story of how former Stanley pitman Bob Drake discovered exactly who was buried in the mass burial trenches, despite contradictory records caused by the confusion of the time.

Mr Drake also discovered where each of the other 114 victims of the Burns Pit explosion are laid to rest.

John Delaney, corporate affairs manager at the Coal Authority, gave the organisation's support to The Northern Echo. He said: "The Coal Authority fully supports the campaign to provide a lasting memorial to the men and boys who lost their lives."

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm, entry is £1. Tickets for a talk and slide show from 2pm on Saturday, written and compiled by local amateur historian Jack Hair and music from folk artist Benny Graham are also £1 but are limited to 60 places.

Tickets are available on the day but are expected to be snapped up early. Consett Brass will provide free entertainment before the music and history event. Everyone involved is giving their services free.

Read more about the Stanley Pit Memorial campaign here.