The banners of the Durham and Northumberland coal miners are an extremely important part of the heritage of the former pit communities of the North-East.

Emblazoned across their fabric are images and mottoes which reflect the history of the pitmen and their values. This illustrated talk will throw the spotlight on these wonderful icons of mining trade unionism.

Retired Newcastle journalist Ken Smith is co-author of Echoes of the North-East Miners, Splendour of the Gala, The Great Northern Miners and Remembering the Miners. He is a life member of the National Union of Journalists.