A SYMBOL of defiance and unity that was made during the miners' strike 20 years ago has gone on display.

The Durham Colliery Mechanics' banner was created during the bitter dispute of 1984-1985.

The Westoe branch, in South Shields, wanted a new banner, but could not afford for one to be made professionally.

Instead, its leaders commissioned a miners' wife, Shirley Perry, to assemble the banner and it was painted by Jarrow artist, Mick Finnigan.

It depicts the pit head at Westoe colliery, which closed in 1993, when the banner passed into the hands of St Hilda's Church, in South Shields.

It is now in pride of place at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, in Ocean Road, for an exhibition exploring the role banners play in the history and identity of communities.

Hazel Edwards, the keeper of costume and textiles at Tyne and Wear Museums, said: "It is now 20 years since the miners' strike and this banner is extremely important as it is was made in 1984 and represents the struggles of that time.

"We are delighted that St. Hilda's Church are kindly lending this banner and are very proud to be featuring it in this diverse exhibition."

The exhibition will run until June 6.

For further details, contact the museum on 0191-456 8740.