AN exhibition of colourful mining banners from across the old Durham Coalfield goes on display in a former colliery community later this month.

Eppleton Miners’ Banner Group is mounting 18 historic colliery lodge banners at the sixth annual mining heritage event at Hetton and District Workingmen’s Club, in Hetton-le-Hole, on Saturday, April 18.

Better known locally as Hetton Big Club, it was one of many favourite local watering holes of thirsty miners coming off shift at the coal faces of nearby Eppleton and Hetton Lyons collieries during the hey-day of the mining industry.

Many of the banners to be displayed in the club function room, or 'singing end', have undergone restoration as part of a drive to preserve mining memorabilia across the coalfield, of which Hetton was at the heart.

Organiser Derek Hockridge said the 18 banners, all up to ten feet tall, are from former colliery lodges from Horden on the coast to Burnhope, in mid-Durham.

Musical entertainment will be provided, with a special guest appearance by Murton Colliery Band, who will be striking up the brass between 1pm and 3pm.

All are welcome at the event, at the club in Richard Street, just off the Front Street, in Hetton-le-Hole, DH5 9HN, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

Further information is available from the club, on 0191 5261021.