A FORMER pit village’s mining banner now bears some familiar faces.

The emblem specially-created in 2006 for the centenary of Bowburn, near Durham City, has had portraits of 24 locals added to it.

They appear in the crowd on the side that features a view of the famous annual Durham Miners’ Gala.

Bowburn Banner Group secretary Mike Syer said: “The banner has been with its original producers, Chippenham Designs, of Norfolk, for minor repairs.

“While it was there, the new faces were added to the crowd scene on the “March of Time” side of the banner.

“Among the new mini-portraits will be those of Jimmy Milburn, who has done so much for the village, not least in donating a coal tub mining memorial, as well as many items for the community centre’s heritage room, and of Alfie Swainston, whose daughter, Brenda Collins, the entertainer, has given her time generously to raise money for the Bowburn Banner Group.

“Several local residents have paid, individually, for the other 22 faces – either of themselves or of friends or relatives they have asked to be remembered in this way. Their payments have helped pay for the banner repairs.”

The banner will be displayed at the group's Eve of Gala concert, in Bowburn Community Centre on Friday July 11, which will be free thanks to grants from Our Big Gig and local county councillors.

Pittington Brass Band will play music from “Brassed Off” and actors from Oil Lamp Productions will perform excerpts from the show, followed by the all-women band from France, “Bomb Zatomic”.

The concert is part of Durham Brass Festival. Doors open at 6pm and performances start at 7pm.

The Centenary Banner will be on show at the Gala on Saturday, July 12.