VOLUNTEERS are being asked to come forward to help preserve the region’s mining heritage.

Durham County Record Office, based in County Hall, Durham City, has launched a project to make mining records more accessible to the public.

Archivists hope to index its collection of Durham Miners’ Association records as part of a project to create an online catalogue of a unique part of Durham’s heritage, helping families and local historians focus on miners who worked in the coal industry and their contribution to colliery life.

The project, called Mining Durham’s Hidden Depths, is sponsored by the Government’s Learning Revolution Transformation Fund.

No previous experience is necessary as all volunteers will receive support and training in transcribing and digital transferring of data.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact the Durham County Record Office via record.office@durham.gov.uk or ring 0191 383 3575.