A special “walk and talk” event will be taking part over the Jubilee weekend, aiming to get families interested in the area’s mining heritage.

The Pretoria Ruins lecture tour will feature mining historian Alan Davies and is being organised by the Over Hulton Community Group.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 4 at 10am.

Organiser John Bullen said: “On December 21, 1910 at 8.50am an underground explosion at the Hulton Colliery took the lives of 344 local men and boys.

“Mr Davies gives a detailed account of the Pretoria Tragedy, build up, cause, event and aftermath, and we visit the site of the ruins where it actually happened.”

“Also in attendance will be local folk singer/songwriter Corrie Shelley to sing her superb lament Johnny.”

He added: “As an extra special treat we top it all off with the very best lemon drizzle and chocolate tiffin cake you have ever tasted courtesy of Sheila and Liz!”

The event will begin at the Pretoria Memorial, at the end of Broadway, off Newbrook Road.

Anyone who wishes to take part needs to book by calling Mr Bullen on 01942 874719 or emailing j.bullen1@ntlworld.com.

Attendance costs £4 for adults and £3 for under 14s.

Mr Bullen has warned that stout footwear is essential.