THE North-East's mining heritage has been captured on video by a new County Durham production.

Puddle Productions was set up at West Rainton, near Durham City, by Maxie Mason and Hilary St John, who spent two years making Brass and Banners.

The video records the history of mining in the region, miners' traditions, their fight for better conditions, the pit lodge banners and the music of the colliery bands.

Maxie said: "It has taken us two years to complete, but seeing the finished product has been well worth all the time researching into our mining heritage.

"There is still a great affinity for the mining industry, as the recent Hollywood successes of films like Billy Elliot and Brassed Off have demonstrated."

Hilary said: "We are extremely proud of the video, as it documents the history of the North-East coalfield and some of its traditions, including the Durham Miners' Gala and the Northumberland Miners' Picnic.

"It also acknowledges the hardships of life in the mining communities and the fight for change, which was achieved through the miners' struggle for recognition.''

She added: "Although we are a new business and this is our flagship project, we have other ideas currently in production and we hope to expand our business in the near future.''

Brass and Banners goes on sale today and is available at Tourist Information Centres and The V Shop (formerly Our Price) in Market Place, Durham City.