A GROUP of embroiders have returned from successfully representing the North-East at an international needlecraft show in Paris.

Members of the Embroiderers’ Guild from around the North-East took their Mining a Golden Seam Exhibition to the L’Aiguille-en-Fete show in Paris and received an enthusiastic response from visitors.

The exhibition celebrated the emotional link the region has with mining and this resonated with many of the visitors in northern France who share a similar mining heritage.

Exhibition co-ordinator Joy Bradshaw said: “Our visitors’ book for the event contains many, many enthusiastic comments in a variety of languages.

“It was wonderful to read how much the exhibition was enjoyed and appreciated.”

She added: “Being able to accept the invitation has been a challenging enterprise for an organisation which relies on volunteer support, but it was an important opportunity to highlight both our own region, the skill of our members and the importance of safeguarding these skills for the future.

“It also gives us an opportunity to raise the profile of the Embroiderers’ Guild, an organisation which is a voice for embroidery and stitching throughout the UK.”

The members were supported in their venture by the North East Area Miners Social Welfare Trust Fund, Durham County Council, the national organisation of Embroiderers’ Guild and their own personal contributions.