A MODEL memory of east Durham's mining past has found an unusual permanent home.

The replica pit pony and restored coal tub have been turned out to grass on top of a roundabout on the main A181 Peterlee to Durham road.

Placing the pony and its tub on the roundabout, which leads off to the one time colliery villages of Wheatley Hill, Deaf Hill and Thornley, was the idea of former Durham County Council chairman, Councillor Morris Nicholls.

It was during his chairmanship that Coun Nicholls was presented with a similar statue to stand as a permanent memorial to every miner who lived and worked in the Durham coalfield.

After discussions with regeneration groups in villages in and around his Thornley ward, retired miner Coun Nicholls came up with the suggestion of commissioning a second model to be placed on the roundabout.

Thanks to several grants, the £4,000 statue is now complete and gracing its unusual pasture.

"We wanted everyone coming into the area to see it and to be reminded of our mining past," said Coun Nicholls