11 nostalgic reminders of the collieries of the North East- what are your memories?

It was the industry which characterised the North East for decades.

The pits may be long gone but the memories live on for many North East families.

Did you work in one of these pits? What about your family members?

Have a look at these photos from the archives of the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail.

And after you have done that, why not get in touch and share your memories of your time at the pits.

5. Horden Colliery

A view of Horden Colliery in May 1981. | HM Photo: Hartlepool Mail

The end of a way of life for hundreds of miners at Hylton Colliery in 1979. Did you work there? | SE Photo: Sunderland Echo

Blackhall Colliery pictured in February 1947. | SE Photo: Sunderland Echo

Dawdon miners passed the million tonne milestone in March 1987. | SE Photo: Sunderland Echo