MORE than £100m has been paid out to ex-miners in the region who have suffered agonising respiratory and vibration white finger problems.

The figures were released yesterday as Brian Wilson, the Government's Minister for Energy, said that he was on track to meet his pledge of making 50,000 final offers over cases of lung disease, by the end of the year.

Mining communities to benefit included Easington, in County Durham, where more than £36m has been paid. Almost £15m has been given to ex-miners in Houghton and Washington, in Tyne and Wear.

The Government is still seeing about 800 claims a week for lung disease and mining-related conditions.

Said Mr Wilson: "It is clear that as more claims are processed the rate of full and final offers will increase further as the year goes on."

Constituency breakdowns are: Easington, £36,240,379; Houghton and Washington East - £14,989,424; Sunderland North - £7,807,067; South Shields - £ 7,398,999; North Durham - £7,216,899; Sedgefield - £6,947,188; City of Durham - £6,816,028; Sunderland South - £5,894,448; North West Durham - £4,163,264; Selby - £3,083,526; North Tyneside - £2,385,534; Gateshead East, Washington West - £2,186,454; Bishop Auckland - £1,822,822.

* Those who may have a valid claim can contact the Government helpline on 0800 0282138.