A FORMER mining community is turning back the clock to help forge a new future.

Like many villages in the region, Dawdon lost its colliery in the raft of pit closures.

But for a fortnight the close-knit community will recall its mining days with a photographic and art exhibition, entertainment and discussions on the way ahead.

The activities have been organised by Dawdon Community Centre and began when MP John Cummings opened the exhibition.

The first event included a barbecue and a performance by the Dawdon Dancers and a Taekwondo demonstration.

Today, between 10.30am and noon, there will be a coffee morning and on Thursday, there will be theatre workshops during the day, followed by the New Strides theatre company staging the play Asturias at 7pm.

On Friday, from 4.30pm and 6pm there will be games in the community centre garden.

From next Monday until Friday, July 19, activities will focus on discussing suggestions about how to improve the village and bring the community back closer together.

Next Tuesday, officers and members of Easington District Council will be at the community centre to focus on the local environment, from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.

A tea party will be held on Wednesday, July 17, when there will also be a discussion about the development of the School Street open space.

Finally, on Friday, July 19, be series of fun-packed activities will be held between 4pm and 7pm.