A FORMER pitman has written a book about the history of mining in Stanley.

John Purcell's study of Beamish South Moor begins with the arrival of the wooden waggonway to Oxhill, connecting the Shield Row and Lanchester Fell Collieries.

This marked the beginning of a huge expansion of an industry that would continue until the 1960s.

The book, Beamish South Moor, describes the rivalry between the powerful 18th Century cartel known as the Grand Allies and entrepreneur Morton Davidson.

Davidson sunk pits at No Place, Beamish and South Moor. Their success led to a bitter conflict, which ended up in the courts.

Mr Purcell, 65, of Gibside Close, East Stanley, accessed rare plans of pits from the Coal Authority when he began researching the history of local mining as a hobby, several years ago.

He said: "This is a comprehensive history about Beamish and Stanley.

"There has never been a book like this written before and it is important, because it is our local history."

It is published by Northumbria University Press and contains many plans which have never been printed before.

Beamish South Moor is available from S&S newsagents, Front Street, Stanley and from Mr Purcell by calling (01207) 235355.