ONE of the North-East’s most enduring traditions features in a book that was officially launched at the weekend (Saturday November 7).

Ken and Jean Smith, of Newcastle, wrote Splendour of the Gala about Durham Miners’ Gala and the now-defunct Northumberland Miners Picnic.

The 125th Big Meeting took place in July, showing that the spirit of comradeship among people who work for a living is still alive, despite the fact that deep mining is dead in the region The Northumberland Miners Picnic is a tradition that has died out in recent years.

The Smiths - Ken Smith was a journalist for the Newcastle-based Journal newspaper - chronicle the two events and include reminiscences from people such as Gala regular Tony Benn, the former Labour MP, and the former Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev David Jenkins.

Julia Grint, director of the book’s publisher Ergo Press, said: "It isn’t a book of picture of banners.

"It says what the Gala is about and what the Picnic was about and it had various reminiscences from people who were involved in it.

"It has photographs from the archives right up to the present.

"It is a nice book. The Gala and the Picnic are such an important part of the region’s heritage. It is very much a warm tribute to the miners, The Gala and the Picnic.’’ The book costs £9.99 and is available from all good bookshops.