A COMMEMORATIVE plate made in tribute to the men and boys who died in the region's worst peace time disaster will be given away by The Northern Echo.

The plate is one of 100 commissioned by former miner Billy Johnstone, of Murton, County Durham, to commemorate the 1909 West Stanley Burns Pit Disaster.

Mr Johnstone commissioned the plates at a cost of £1,430 of his own money and, if all are sold at £20, will donate £500 to The Northern Echo's Memorial Appeal.

Mr Johnstone said he was inspired to have the plates made by The Northern Echo's campaign to mark the graves of the 54 victims who were killed in the explosion and lie in mass, unmarked burial trenches in Stanley, north Durham. A total of 168 men and boys were killed in the explosion.

Durham county councillor Peter Thompson has bought five of the plates.

Coun Thompson plans to give the mementoes to Stanley councillors Edna Hunter and Les Vaux and chairman of the county council Alan Fenwick. He also intends to give one to councillor Albert Nugent for a charity raffle.

The fifth plate will go to any descendant of the 54 men and boys or anyone else who has connections to the men and women affected by the disaster.

The Northern Echo has been contacted by a number of people whose ancestors lie in the unmarked graves.

The plates are on sale at Mr Johnstone's stall, in Durham City Indoor Market, from Monday to Saturday. Some are also being sold at Stanley Indoor Market card stall.

Anyone who wants to put their name in a hat for the spare plate bought by Coun Thompson can call reporter Chris Webber on (01642) 675678.