The Advertiser - with its sister paper The Northern Echo - has launched an emotional campaign to remember the dead of the North-East's worst ever pit disaster.

We believe that marking the graves of the 168 men and boys who died in the West Stanley pit disaster of 1909 for the first time is of the utmost importance. And we want you to help us make it happen.

A graveside memorial at the three mass burial grounds at St Andrew's Church in the town would not only be a tribute to those who perished but also to their families and all the 17,500 and more miners who have died at their work in the North of England.

We warmly applauded, and still fully applaud, the efforts of all those in the area who worked so hard to have the town's splendid memorial erected in the town back in 1995. Now all we need is for everyone who is proud of our coal-mining heritage to help to mark the graves of those men and boys.

You can get involved by organising fundraising events or contributing to the appeal fund. Contact Chris Webber on (01207) 280613.

Alternatively, if you would like to contribute directly, please send your donations to The Advertiser (Pit Appeal), PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1NF. Make cheques payable to 'The Northern Echo Stanley Pit Disaster Appeal.