TWO women Labour MPs are calling for commemorative stamps to mark the 125th anniversary of the Durham Miners' Gala in 2009.

The city's MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods, and her Gateshead East and Washington West colleague, Sharon Hodgson, have tabled a Commons Early Day Motion calling on Royal Mail to mark the gala's landmark.

The gala, known as The Big Meeting, is still the country's largest working class political event and has undergone a renaissance in recent years - helped by the restoration of miners' banners - even though the coalfield that led to its creation has ceased production.

Mrs Blackman-Woods said: "The Miners' Gala is an extremely important annual celebration for Durham and the whole of the North-East. Big Meeting Day is part of Durham's history and heritage and the people of Durham quite rightly feel proud of our mining past. Coming up on the 125th anniversary, it is right that Royal Mail should acknowledge the importance of the Big Meeting to our heritage and commission these commemorative stamps."

Mrs Hodgson said: "As MPs for former mining communities, Roberta and I want to ensure that the gala is celebrated appropriately. The pits may be gone but the Big Meeting is a celebration of their importance to the shape of the region and our communities."

The MPs will be writing to schools and community groups across Gateshead and Durham to invite suggestions for the stamps, which will be given to Royal Mail.