A COMMUNITY has gathered to honour the memory of those who died in one of the region’s worst mining disasters.

It is 111 years since the Burns Pit Disaster which claimed the lives of 168 men and boys, some as young as 13.

It was 3.45pm, on February 16, 1909, when the explosion tore through the seams of the West Stanley coalmine.

The disaster had a devastating effect on over 300 dependents, most of whom lived in colliery company houses and faced destitution as well as the grief of losing their loved ones.

Every year since then the people of Stanley stop and pays its respects.

The remembrance event on Sunday at the pit wheel memorial on Chester Road included songs, poems and music from Craghead Colliery Band.

Durham County Councillor Carl Marshall said: “This was a significant event in our towns history. It affected families from throughout the community.

“Men and boys who supported their families went out to earn a days living and tragically never returned home.

“It’s fitting that one of the most significant events in our towns history that we take the time to remember those who lost their lives.”