A REUNION of former steelworkers is being held at a Consett microbrewery.

The Grey Horse, home of Consett Ale Works, is hosting the gathering on Tuesday, March 14.

There will be a free buffet and brewery bosses are keen to talk to former steel men to get inspiration for new company branding.

Pub landlady Kathleen Croft said: “We want to dedicate the new logos of Consett Ale Works to the steelworkers.

“We want to get together with some of the some of the guys who worked there to find out in their words what it was like so we can get it right on our branding.”

Beers made at the microbrewery on Sherburn Terrace are all inspired by the town’s industrial heritage including, White Hot, Red Dust, Men of Steel and Blast.

The steelworks, once the town’s main employer, closed in September 1980.

Former turner and fitter Joe Toner worked for ‘The Company’ between 1964 and 1979.

He said: “A lot of the workers meet on a regular basis. There was a lot of camaraderie when we were at the steelworks.

“That has never left and we still reminisce about the works, have a laugh and talk about the characters who worked there. Some are no longer with us.

“It is always sad news when we hear an ex-steelworker has passed away and we always raise a glass to him.”

The reunion starts at 7.30pm.