PITMEN'S leaders in the North-East have expressed "disgust" at Government delays in compensating injured and ailing ex-miners.

In forceful statements on the eve of the 117th Durham Miners' Gala, NUM regional figureheads Dave Guy and Dave Hopper called for "immediate" action to meet outstanding compensation claims.

They also fire a broadside at Labour's "cautious" first term in office and call for "a radical new approach" following its recent overwhelming return to Government.

Mr Hopper, the mining union's regional general secretary, said: "Over the last four years we have been disgusted at the delays in paying the compensation due to our members, who suffer from industrial diseases.

"If farmers can be paid within weeks for the loss of their stock, surely miners who have given their lives to the coal industry should not have to wait years to be compensated for their injuries?

"We have run out of patience and want to see immediate changes."

Area president Dave Guy also expressed "dissatisfaction" at the widening gap between rich and poor and the "creeping privatisation" of Labour's first four years in power.

A decade after the coalfield's demise, tomorrow's gala is expected to maintain the trend of steadily increased numbers, following last year's 50,000-strong turn-out in Durham.

Its fortunes have revived in recent years as former colliery communities hark back to their coal-mining roots and revive, replace or repair the local lodge banner to unfurl in the gala parade to the Racecourse where the traditional speeches and fun fair are staged.

Many visitors will also attend the traditional Durham Cathedral service, at 3pm, when miners who lost their lives in some of the coalfield's many pit disasters will be remembered.

For the first time surviving Bevin Boys, many conscripted to work in the mines in World War Two without choice, will march alongside former pitmen in the parade.

This year's speakers include gala favourite, firebrand Bolsover MP Dennis Skinner, Unison general secretary Dave Prentis, his rail union, Aslef, counterpart Michael Rix, and MP Dr Lynne Jones.

Read more about the campaigning miners here.

Updated: 13.50 Friday, July 13