THE Bishop of Durham has led a service to commemorate the 30th anniversary of a village pit closure.

The service was held at St Edmund’s Church, Bearpark, near Durham City, with the Right Reverend Paul Butler presiding.

There were readings from various village groups and a newly-restored miners’ memorial plaque was rededicated in memory of those who died in the pit between 1872 and 1984.

The Rt Rev Butler told the congregation: “The coal seams were the source of work and life here. Throughout its life, the pit employed up to 1,000 men and boys, effectively the entire male working population.

“Alongside the pit there was attendant work. No wonder, therefore, that the loss of the pit 30 years ago was a tragic loss for everyone.

“Whilst 70 men and boys had died throughout the 112-years history the pit was free from disaster until, arguably, the disaster of its closure when still nearly 500 people were employed here.”

Vicar, the Rev Canon Robert Lawrance, said: “The service was a way of remembering and celebrating the community spirit which people feel the pit provided and which we are still struggling to find in this generation.

“It‘s very affirming to have the new Bishop taking time to be here. It means a lot to people.“