A BELOVED colliery wheel has been unveiled at a new location in a former pit village.

Representatives from the Durham Miners’ Association joined members of the Sacriston Parish Council and Karbon Homes to inaugurate the monument, which now has pride of place outside the busy Fulforth Centre.

Karbon, which is developing 25 new affordable homes on the junction of Durham Road and Plawsworth Road where the wheel previously stood, wanted to ensure the wheel was not damaged as construction has started on site.

Read more: Highways England project manager led police on two road chases

Able Construction carried out the work to move the wheel, which had stood in its previous position outside the former Graham Court sheltered scheme for decades.

Marking its historical significance in the village, Alan Margdhum, general secretary for the Durham Miners Association, said: “It’s a massive tribute to the heritage of Sacriston.

“In the heart of the village the wheel has now found its rightful home, and it’s a real privilege for me to be able to see such a fitting tribute to the mining community in all its glory.”

Hugh Dixon, chairman of Sacriston Parish Council, added: “The wheel looks fantastic and the parish council are really grateful to both Karbon Homes and Able Construction who have made sure the wheel was moved safely.

“Now settled at its new home on the Front Street, it will continue to mark our rich mining heritage for many more years to come.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054