A WOMAN is keen to find out more about the mystery brave deed of her late grandfather, probably in a pre-war pit accident.

Lena Glendenning has dug out a family heirloom presented to John Robert Ferguson when he worked at Handenhold Colliery, County Durham, between the two world wars.

The keepsake is in the form of a desk-top carrying a plaque bearing the inscription “Presented by the workmen of Handenhold Colliery for an act of bravery”.

Although Mrs Glendenning knows her grandfather worked at the colliery, between Stanley and Chester-le- Street, she has no idea why he received the award.

Having survived several pit accidents, he died in a road collision at the age of 72, as he cycled home from West Pelton Welfare to his then home in Pelton Lane Ends during a black-out early in the Second World War.

Mrs Glendenning, 76, of Oakenshaw, near Crook, County Durham, said she was only six at the time, and never found out how her grandfather was cast a hero.

“The award has been passed down and came to me when my parents died.

“I suppose it’s a family keepsake of sentimental value, but I would really like to know why it was presented.

“I know there were accidents at Handenhold Colliery during the time he was there, but I’ve got no idea why it was presented to my granddad.”

Family friend Derek Bates, a former Durham county councillor for the Pelton area, has attempted some research to “set the ball rolling” in a bid to find out more about the late Mr Ferguson’s bravery.

“I have discovered there were three significant accidents at Handenhold Colliery, in 1923, 1932 and 1933, but I’m still no nearer discovering about his particular act of bravery,” said Mr Bates.

Anyone who can help solve the mystery is asked to call Mrs Glendenning on 01388- 745395.