A POLLUTED stream has been transformed into a beauty spot teaming with wildlife.

And now visitors can learn about the transformation of Cong Burn at Edmondsley near Durham, which until recently was stained red by ochre released from old mine workings in the village.

Information boards were due to be unveiled today describing the change in the stream and outlining the mining history of Edmondsley.

Effluent began polluting the stream, which has a high iron content, after the old mine workings at Edmondsley Colliery were abandoned in 1920, and the stream was ochre stained for about 1km.

But two years ago the Coal Authority implemented a £230,000 mine water treatment scheme.

It involved creating a natural reed bed which collects impurities from water discharged into the burn from an underground tunnel associated with the disused colliery.

The water is then returned, cleansed, to the watercourse. The project, one of the first of its kind in Britain, also involved the extensive rejuvenation of the local habitat, making it more attractive to wildlife.

A spokesman for the Coal Authority said: "It's been operating now for a couple of years, but clearly it's only just established, it takes time to become effective."

The information boards were due to be unveiled at a ceremony with children from Edmondsley County Junior and Infant School and representatives from Chester-le-Street District Council and the Coal Authority.

They provide people with information on the coal mining history of the village and identify some of the wildlife that can now be seen there.

Headteacher of the Edmondsley school, Eric Dodd, said: "We did a lot of work with Groundwork on the reed beds and helping in other areas.

"The system is what Edmondsley is known for now, across Europe, where people are interested in doing something similar.

"It's a simple idea, but it's a vast area, about the size of a football pitch. And it's certainly worked. The stream has gone from a reddy colour to crystal clear."