An exhibition filled with thousands of priceless items chronicling life during the 1984 miners' strike in one County Durham town has attracted hundreds of visitors this week.
Easington Social Welfare Centre has been "buzzing" with visitors from across the region since March 4 who have been eager to view artefacts, thousands of newspaper clippings and priceless items collected by miners who worked in the surrounding collieries.
Set in the main hall of the building where the iconic film Billy Elliott was partly filmed, the exhibition has been put together by proud miner's daughter Lynn Dodds whose father made his career down the pit before its closure in 1993.
The collection includes everything from items of clothing, equipment, signs, paintings, lamps and photographs which transports visitors back in time to Easington in its mining days.
The archived material, which is kept at the centre has been brought out especially to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the miners' strike and Lynn has been overwhelmed by the public's enthusiasm for the collection which is set to be displayed until March 8.
"This was our way of life," Lynn explained, looking through reams of old clippings that chronicle, it seems, everything that happened in Easington before, during and after the strike.
"I always say that my dad went into the dark to keep me in the light and put a roof over my head. I'm a miner's daughter - and I'm extremely proud to be."
Lynn put together the exhibition in just one day last week and laughed that "this isn't even everything", stating that there were simply too many artefacts which could not fit in the room.
She added: "It means so much to the community as a whole that we remember. I was 11/12 so I remember so much of it. I wanted to put this on to show the local community.
"When the mines were open, the miners used to pay a pound a week off the pay notes towards this building and so when Easington closed in 1993, the artefacts were given to us.
"We just had them put away safely upstairs and now I think it's time they are shown."
When asked about her favourite item in the collection, Lynn did not hesitate for a second to show off headgear which was once worn by one of Easington's pit ponies.
However, it wasn't worn by just any pony, it belonged to her father's very own pony named Starling who was a biter according to Lynn.
"I just love it", she said. "I remember going to feed the ponies every Sunday with my dad."
Steve Fergus, 65, is one of thousands of men who worked in Easington Colliery whilst it was open.
"We have so much more", Steve said, recounting the effort it took to put the "priceless" exhibition together.
He added: "I think it is absolutely brilliant. I came in, and the first time I looked at it it brought a lump to my throat.
"You see the stories of former comrades in arms, of people who have now passed away. It's tragic for what we have lost as a community - and we have lost a lot.
"All of this is stirring up a lot of pride in our community; it doesn't matter what Thatcher did - we are still here."
Whilst the exhibition was due to end on March 8, its popularity has raised questions as to whether it should continue. No firm plans have been put in place as of yet.
Here are some more pictures which give just a small glimpse of the exhibition.
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