EX-MINERS were joined by community and civic figures to mark a new lease of life for a symbol of local mining heritage.

The former East Hetton Colliery banner was unveiled and dedicated in a short ceremony at its now-permanent home, Quarrington Hill Community Centre, near Durham.

A fundraising drive by the community association helped to meet the cost of the expert restoration and re-mounting of the 1961 banner, featuring a portrait of former Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell.

Association treasurer Clive Lawson and Durham’s Mayor, Councillor Dennis Southwell, cut the strings to unveil the standard.

Durham Miners’ Association’s general secretary Dave Hopper, and Durham MP Roberta Blackman Woods were among the onlookers, while Ferryhill Brass Band entertained visitors.

A short prayer of dedication was given by The Reverend David Sudron, a canon, succentor and sacrist at Durham Cathedral.

Mr Lawson said due to its still frail condition, it must be kept under a solid glass case at the centre.

“It’s been repaired and repainted and there’s a fine muslin covering to protect it, but it has to stay in the case.”

The colliery’s later banner, now housed at Kelloe Primary School, will be paraded at Saturday’s 125th Durham Miners’ Gala.

Dr Blackman Woods said: “We must never forget the proud heritage of our coal mining communities which have shaped the people and the places we know and we are today.”

East Hetton Colliery, between Quarrington Hill and Kelloe, was worked for 147 years until its closure, in June 1983.