A Government team visited east Durham to assess how well it has survived the wholesale closure of its mining industry.

The Government's Coalfields Regeneration Select Committee travelled to the Easington district.

First stop was the Glebe Centre, in Murton. The multi-purpose complex was created following the extensive refurbishment of the pit village's former Miners' Welfare Hall.

The project was funded by a number of agencies, including the Coalfield Regeneration Trust.

The visitors were then presented with an overview of regeneration activities that Easington District Council and its partners have undertaken since the pit closures in the 1990s.

Committee members were given information on the issues and challenges facing the district, as well as being given an outline of projects.

Members were taken on a tour providing them with a look at the physical development of the area, reclamation of former colliery sites, environmental improvements, and town and village centre renewal programmes.

The tour included a visit to Easington Colliery to see some of the housing problems facing the community.

Easington council's director of regeneration and economic development, Janet Johnson, said: "They were able to see the improvements we have made since the closure of the mines over a decade ago. However, there are still issues to be addressed in Easington, and we are working hard with our partners to continue to revitalise our communities."