HUNDREDS of widows whose husbands suffered from vibration white finger (VWF) will have extra time to claim for compensation after a change of heart by the Government.

The deadline for widows to claim under the national compensation scheme was due to run out tomorrow.

That would have left them with no other option than pursuing costly claims through the civil courts.

Department of Trade and Industry officials had previously ruled out extending the scheme.

But Energy Minister Brian Wilson last night announced that families of deceased miners will have an additional three months to lodge posthumous claims.

He said: "I am determined that every reasonable measure should be taken to ensure that no family who is potentially eligible for compensation under this scheme will be deprived of it through lack of knowledge and awareness.

"In that spirit, I am extending the VWF deadline for submission of posthumous claims.

"And I am seeking the widest possible co-operation in ensuring that all potentially eligible widows and families of deceased former miners are alerted to their rights and to the extension of this deadline."

The scheme was set up in January 1999 after the Government agreed to take on the liabilities of the former British Coal.