THE region's coal mining heritage is being celebrated in an event set to bring banner parades, brass bands and pit ponies.

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North will hold their old king coal event from Wednesday, June 26, to Sunday, June 30, in the 1900s pit village and colliery yard.

Visitors can see the restored steam locomotive Glyder in action in the region for the first time in over 80 years as part of the event.

Siân Fox, community events officer, said: “Old king coal will take place in the 1900s pit village and colliery yard this year, which tells the story of miners and their families in the time of peak coal production in the North-East.

“We will have a mix of brass and silver bands, traditional folk singers, and clog dancing. Visitors can also meet Marley the pit pony.