A FORMER mining community will be placed under the spotlight in a study geared at tackling its problems.

Durham Rural Community Council has successfully put forward a case study for Craghead, near Stanley, for the Countryside Exchange Programme.

The programme has completed 65 community studies involving 500 team participants since 1987.

It is hoped that a framework for a sustainable future for Durham's coalfield communities will be produced.

A team of eight people, four from the UK and four from the US, will spend a week in Craghead from October 7 to 14.

Team members will talk to all agencies, district and county councils, police, schools, press and residents.

They will give an independent view of the problems and possible solutions for Craghead.

Their findings will be presented to a public meeting in the new village hall.

A report will then be produced for the community to consider.

Anyone who would like to be involved should contact (01207) 218841 or 529621