PEOPLE will fly in from across the globe for a reunion of the 'village that would not die.'

Many residents of Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, were forced to leave their village in the 1960s when a Government Category D directive put a block on development in the former pit village and dilapidated homes were bulldozed, reducing the number of houses from 850 to 88.

They are now scattered across the globe, but fond memories of the small community pulled people back from as far away as America and Australia for a reunion last year.

Building on that success, Dale Daniel and the Witton Park Community Association have organised another event for July 14. The Gathering Part 2 will involve an exhibition of about 400 images of the village shown on a large screen, and video footage from events in the village's history.

There will also be a production by school pupils and an art exhibition.

Mr Daniel said: "Last night I heard from someone in New Zealand who is 92-years-old and used to live in the village.

"He can't get to The Gathering, but he wanted to get in touch anyway. You just don't know who is going to turn up next."

The event will take place in various venues in the village between noon and 8pm.

For details call Dale Daniel on (01388) 606543.