POWERFUL pieces of artwork created by schoolchildren are serving as moving reminder of the worst mining disaster in Kearsley.

Youngsters at Spindle Point Primary School in Kearsley are remembering the 43 men and boys who died in an explosion in the Unity Brook Colliery disaster on March 12 1878.

The project is part of the children's exploration of the heritage of the town and place they live in.

The school, along with St Saviour’s CE Ringley, St Stephen’s CE, Kearsley and St Peter’s CE, Farnworth, is playing a part in commemorating the 140th anniversary of the tragedy.

Stephen Tonge, community officer at Churches of the Mount, which is co-ordinating the commemoration ceremony, visited Spindle Point along with Billy Kelly, secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, who is from Farnworth.

They looked at artwork created by the children for a special exhibition at St Stephen’s Church, where a service will take part in March and helped pupils learn more about the history of the area.

Mr Tonge said: “Some of the artwork created was of a pocket watch which was found at the colliery.

"It had stopped at 1.07pm, and it is thought that is when the disaster happened.

“We think a watch will form part of the permanent memorial we are installing to those who died.

“The school is examining the very important legacy of the coal industry — it was what the community is built on. Schools in Kearsley are not far from mine shafts.”

Mr Tonge, who is also an ex-miner, asked the children to explore their own family history and find out if they have family members who worked in their mines. He said: “Billy Kelly and I talked to the children about Kearsley coal mining and pointed out the collieries that existed in the 1800s.

"We presented them with a history book on coal mining with lots of illustrated photographs.

"They have an arts display on the Unity Brook Colliery disaster.

“We asked them lots of questions on mining and also if they had relatives who were coal miners.

"Many had and they will find out more about these people to continue with their studies.

"They were well informed and we were very impressed with their questions and answers.”

As part of children’s learning, two other ex-miners dressed in 19th century costume will visit all the schools in the near future to speak about the mining industry.