A GROUP looking to create a new pit banner has launched a website to give online information about its work.

The Brandon Heritage Group hopes to raise money to make a replacement for the 1963 lodge banner, which was unfurled by former Labour leader Michael Foot.

The banner spent several years in Canada before it was returned to the village.

The site, www.brandon- heritage.com, also features photographs of the village and ideas for the future.

Group chairman John Kitching said: "We are looking to represent Brandon at next year's Miners' Gala.

"It is early days, but we are hopeful we will be able to secure some funding from the Awards for All scheme, as well as fundraising in the Brandon area. We hope to get all ages involved."

Projects include a memorial plaque to the miners who lost their lives at Brandon's Pithouse and A and C mines, and also the creation of slideshows depicting the village's social history, architecture and wildlife.

The group hopes to attract widespread backing for its plans. People are invited to the next monthly meeting, at the community centre, in Sycamore Park, at 7pm on Thursday.