TWO wood carvings honouring the region’s mining history have been unveiled at a former miners’ welfare hall.

Retired mining engineer Jim Milburn presented the carvings by Michael Doyle to Bowburn Community Centre, County Durham.

One features a pit pony, the other a coal miner.

They had belonged to Jeanne Currie, a child psychologist who died in November 2013.

Dennis Morgan, chairman of Bowburn Banner Group, said: “These carvings are a superb tribute to Durham’s coal mining heritage.

“Jim has been a wonderful friend to this village and we thank him, once again, for helping us to honour this tradition.

“We’re also most grateful to Bowburn Community Association for helping to display these carvings in our local community centre.”

An unveiling ceremony took place on Monday, January 19.