Miners' memorial to be unveiled

A memorial dedicated to those that worked in the UK coal mining industry is being unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The formal unveiling and dedication of the National Miners ' Memorial will take place on the 3 September at 11.30am with a ceremony attended by representatives of the mining community and other dignitaries.

Chase Arts for Public Spaces (CHAPS), a voluntary group, has raised more than £100,000 from individuals and groups to fund the construction of the tribute,

The service of dedication will be led by the Rt Rev 'd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and will feature musical contributions from Lea Hall Brass Band and choristers from Wolverhampton and Walsall Orpheus Male Voice Choirs.

Visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum are encouraged to pre-book to guarantee entry. Members of the public will be able to view the dedication ceremony from the perimeter of the memorial site.

Mike Mellor, president of CHAPS said: “This is set to be a very special occasion as we recognise and pay tribute to all that coal miners have done for this Country. We are looking forward to this wonderful day and the culmination of over four years working together on this project."

Pictured: An artist's impression of the National Miners' Memorial