ONE of the North-East’s most enduring traditions features in a book launched at the weekend.

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 demise of 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 Newcastle-based The 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 Right Reverend 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 and Picnic were about.

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

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