THE former Institution of Mining Electrical and Mining Mechanical Engineers (IMEMME) have presented precious memorabilia to the Lancashire Mining Museum for display as a record of Lancashire mining history.

The items - including past presidents' medallions and the dye used to make them, account books and minutes of meetings - were presented to the Salford museum last week.

The final committee of the North West branch of IMEMME felt the well-treasured items should be viewed by the public.

The IMEMME, originally formed in 1909, ceased all activities when they merged with the Institution of Mining Engineers in 1995.

Salford City Council's Education and Leisure Committee Chairman, Cllr Maureen Lea, said: "We are delighted that the valuable items will be available for the public to view.

"The history of mining in Lancashire is of great importance to us and we will be honoured to accept the memorabilia for our museum."

A majority of members who formed the last committee and helped to keep the branch active during the last few years attended the presentation at the museum. ?

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.