SUNDERLAND fans have another reminder of the stadium's mining heritage.

The club has unveiled a pit wheel at the main entrance to the Stadium of Light as a tribute to the miners who used to make up the bulk of the Black Cats' support.

The 48,000-capacity stadium, which opened in 1997, was built on the site of the city's Wearmouth Colliery and already has a miner's lamp commemorating the region's coal industry.

The club's biggest area of support outside Wearside is in the former pit villages in the north and eastern parts of County Durham.

The monument was donated by ardent fans Barry Sly and Chris Hodgson.

It bears a plaque paying homage to the colliery, which was the country's oldest colliery when it closed in 1993 with all its workers losing their jobs.

It was unveiled by chairman Bob Murray before Saturday's 1-0 victory over Ipswich in the first game of the Premiership season.

Mr Murray said: "Wearmouth Colliery was at the heart of the city and it is fitting that the Stadium of Light should take its place.

"The club was born on the back of the Durham mineworkers and they have helped us to make the club what it is today.

"Sunderland is a club for all, and we are very proud of our history and the tradition of this area."

He added: "We are a club with a strong vision for the future - but we will never forget our past and the people who have made us great.

"I am delighted to unveil this pit wheel, which will act as a fitting and lasting reminder for of those loyal miners and their families who served the region so well."