SOME of the last coal mines in the region are due to benefit from a package of Government aid to six UK coal mines, worth almost £60m.

Details of the aid, approved by the European Commission, were revealed last night.

Trade Secretary Stephen Byers said the aid would permit the mining industry to adapt to changing market conditions.

The Government support will go to mines at Blenkinsopp, in Northumberland, and Selby, in North Yorkshire, as well as pits in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. Blenkinsopp will get just under £500,000 and Selby £23.2m.

Mr Byers said the money was being paid out under the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme.

Under the scheme, approved by the European Commission last year, funds are available to help the coal industry through short-term energy market problems when production costs have been higher than world market prices for coal.

Mr Byers said: "The subsidy scheme will help the industry through the short-term difficulties it faces.

"This is very good news for the 3,700 miners directly employed at the six mines, and for the local communities and service industries that depend on the mines in those areas.