A SCULPTURE of a coal miner is to undergo major repairs after falling victim to the winter weather.

The 15ft high sculpture of a coal miner was installed at Low Burnhall woods, near Durham City, in spring 2012, made of willow, oak, holly and blackthorn.

It is now in very bad repair, but will be restored next month (March) by artists Ruth Thompson and Anna Turnbull, who created the piece and repaired it after it was damaged by people sitting on it in 2013.

Gary Haley, the site manager for the Woodland Trust, said: “The willow miner at Low Burnhall was originally made out of organic material – primarily willow and other wood found on site.

“Due to the nature of the material and its exposed position it has weathered rather quicker than expected.

“Plans are in place to revitalise the miner next month with the artists Ruth Thompson and Anna Turnbull.

“This time the miner will be constructed using traditional oak taws and hazel, which should be much more durable, and will hopefully be ready in time to welcome woodland visitors for a new series of events starting in April.

“The miner was originally created to reflect the location of an old coal line, which lies just outside of the wood.

“Construction on the new and improved minder sculpture will start later on in March.”