The last shift left Wearmouth Colliery in late 1993. It was the last deep coal mine of the County Durham coalfield to close.
Here are 11 scenes from the pit, both in its heyday and on the last day.
We also have reminders of the day the pit head towers came down.
We would love your memories of this major source of Wearside employment but first, take a look through these images from the Sunderland Echo archives.



7. Happy and Andy retire
Cyril Stevenson (left) with Happy and Frank Varty with Andy, as the last two ponies leave Wearmouth Colliery for retirement in 1970. Photo: Sunderland Echo

8. Their last day
December 1993 and workers leave the cages at Wearmouth Colliery. Photo: Sunderland Echo
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