A PROJECT to preserve the heritage of one of County Durham’s oldest pit banners will secure a treasured replica for future generations thanks to a hefty donation.

Trimdon Colliery’s banner was recreated earlier this year using a remaining 125-year-old fragment from the original found at Blackhall, near Hartlepool.

The group behind the conservation scheme has been handed £1,000 from Dyno Plumbing, which recently relocated to Trimdon Grange.

The funds will go towards the purchase of a bespoke cabinet which will house the recreation.

Trimdon Colliery Banner Group secretary Paul Trippett said: “It’s great that we’ve got new businesses coming into the Trimdons and the icing on the cake is the company wants to be part of the community.

“It’s a marvellous donation that helps us finish off the this banner project that will ultimately see us with a brand new banner that will be stored in Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill Working Mens Club in a brand new purpose-built cabinet for perpetuity.”

The original miners’ banner, depicting the Good Samaritan and the Trimdon Colliery agent’s office, was unfurled in July, 1892, and will make an historic return to Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday, July 8.

Cliff Barry, Dyno Plumbing franchise owner, said: "We are delighted to support the Trimdon Colliery Banner project.

"The history of villages such as Trimdon can easily be lost so projects such as the Trimdon Colliery Banner are excellent community projects that remind us of the heritage of our communities and the importance they have played in the history of the region."

The banner group is appealing for six to eight volunteers to help carry it.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Mr Trippett on 01325 321603.