A VILLAGE church built by miners will host a special service this weekend to remember all those who have died at work.

While big events are being planned for Worker’s Memorial Day in large towns and cities, much of the North East’s attention will be on the small village church in Stanley Crook, County Durham.

Once surrounded by pits, St Thomas’s Church now stands isolated on the western edge of the village on a hilltop overlooking Crook and the Wear Valley.

On Sunday (April 28), the church will host a service to mark Worker’s Memorial Day with union chiefs, members of the public and families whose loved ones have died at work due to attend.

The church has become a focal point for Worker’s Memorial Day due to a unique window installed more than 10 years ago.

The window, made from Northumberland Celtic Glass, is dedicated to the memorial day and bears the inscription: “In loving memory of workers throughout the world who have died through accident, injury or disease in the course of their work.”

The window was paid for by Julie Burnip from a settlement she received following the death of her husband Paul from an asbestos-related illness caused by his working environment.

Dave Ayres was involved in the case through the UCATT union and said: “She was a very brave lady and for her to give her settlement for the window was an act of true generosity.”

The service starts at 2pm and will feature speakers from unions, the church and safety campaign groups with music by Stanhope Silver Band.

An old banner made for Wooley Lodge pit in the village will also be rededicated during the service.