Compensation payments to sick miners and their families have reached £2bn, the Government has said.

The landmark figure is as a result of more than 780,000 applications under the lung disease and Vibration White Finger (VWF) schemes. Both schemes have now closed to new claimants but the level of compensation paid is expected to keep rising -- possibly to more than £7bn once all claims have been settled.

Latest figures show that more than £235m has been paid in the North-East in respect of claims for diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema caused by breathing in coal dust.

For VWF -- a loss of sensation in the joints caused by prolonged use of vibrating power tools -- the figure is £285m.

The closure of the lung disease scheme on March 31 to new claimants caused a rush in last minute applications, solicitors in the region reported.

Following historic court judgements in the late 1990s British Coal was found negligent in failing to take appropriate measures to preserve the health of former pitmen.

The Government then agreed to take on the subsequent liabilities, setting up the two compensation schemes.

The Northern Echo later set up its own campaign, Justice For The Miners, in order to speed up payments to those affected.