A once-thriving mine complex entered its last day of production today, marking the latest chapter in the long decline of the British coal industry.

The Selby mines in North Yorkshire have churned out more than 120 million tonnes of coal in the last 21 years but more recently have run up huge losses, forcing owner UK Coal to close them down.

Today the last of the five pits that make up the complex will cease production, leaving just nine deep mines in operation in the UK.

The Riccall mine, north of Selby, currently employs 300 people. UK Coal said many of its miners had already been transferred to other pits, and the majority of those remaining planned to seek alternative careers away from the coalface.

Selby was regarded as a ''super'' pit when it began production in 1983 and was seen as the jewel in the crown of the UK coal industry.

At its peak, the colliery employed 3,500 miners, producing 12 million tonnes of coal in its best year.