A CHARITY which offers support to former miners and their families is to hold an event in east Durham to flag-up its services.

The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) has been operating for more than half a century delivering community and personal services within former mining communities.

But the charity is concerned that there are many eligible people who are not aware of the help it can offer.

In an effort to raise its profile, it has joined forces with statutory and voluntary bodies across the region to stage two open days.

The first event will be held next Thursday, at Blackhall Community Centre, in the village's Hesleden Road, between 10am and 2pm.

The second forum will be on Thursday, October 18, at the Hirst Welfare Centre, in Ashington, Northumberland.

Urging as many people as possible living within former coalfield communities to attend, Vincent Clements, regional manager of CISWO, said: "Despite being around for more than 50 years, many individuals are not aware of the services CISWO can provide.

"We aim to promote the range of services available."