THE closure of the North-East's last deep coal mine at Ellington marks the end of proud era in the industrial history of the region.

The miners of the North-East served for generations in conditions most people would find intolerable. Many have been left with health problems, which remain the subject of compensation battles which have dragged on for too long.

As the region faces up to the loss of that industry, it is an opportune time to reflect on the dedication and bravery of those men who made such an enormous contribution to the country's wealth.

The impact on the local economy in Northumberland will hit hard and everything possible must be done to find new jobs for the 340 workers who are facing the dole. It is a difficult challenge the region has faced all too often during the decline of its traditional industries.

But amid the sadness and union anger which have greeted UK Coal's decision to close down Ellington, there must be an acknowledgement that safety has to be paramount.

Despite heroic efforts over 13 days to contain flooding, experts have concluded that the risks to workers are unacceptable.

Too many risks have historically been taken in the mining industry. Too many men have been killed or left with a legacy of ill health in the name of profit.

And it would have been nothing short of criminal negligence to continue working a mine in which safety was in question.

Our thoughts are with the Ellington miners and their families. But no other decision could have been taken about their future.