A COMMUNITY is developing ideas for a new miners' banner as it goes back to its roots to celebrate its heritage.

The banner will be born out of a unique partnership between Willington Community Partnership, National Union of Miners' Durham area and Thompson's Solicitors from Newcastle.

The idea behind the project is to represent the links between the community of Willington, as it is today and its mining history. Chairman of Willington Community Partnership and Durham County councillor Brian Myers said: "I think this is terrific for the area and the mining heritage. We felt that we needed a permanent reminder to the present day community of the sacrifice that was made by the men and boys in the past to get the coal out of the ground.''

Coun Myers said the idea for the banner came through the NUM and that the community partnership was delighted to take up the offer.

One side of it will feature J P Roberts, the miners' first attorney in Durham, alongside Thompsons Solicitors, who now represent them.

The other side will depict the Durham Miners' and the name of the collieries which have closed in the area along with a simple logo to represent Willington Community Partnership.