NORTH Durham MP Kevan Jones is organising a meeting for former miners awaiting claim settlements for industrial illness and disease.

Representatives from the Department for Trade and Industry and Thompsons Solicitors will attend the meeting on Friday, April 12, at East Stanley Workingmen's Club, at 10am.

Mr Jones said: "I receive many queries from former miners who are waiting a long time for their claims to be settled. This event will give them the opportunity to meet and discuss their own cases with the claim handlers."

Any former miner, or next of kin, with an outstanding claim, who is interested in attending the event is asked to contact Mr Jones' office, on 0191 371 8834 for details.