THE historic headquarters of the Durham mineworkers has been handed over to the public before a multi-million-pound restoration is due to take place next year.

The Durham Miners’ Association has fulfilled the pledge it made when launching an appeal for funds to carry out vital maintenance work at Redhills, the Miners’ Hall.

It has also secured a grant of £4.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the work.

The association has created a charity, the Redhills Charitable Incorporated Organisation, involving the former mining communities of the Durham coalfield, which will continue the restoration and renewal project.

The association said: “The public will have an active role in shaping the renewed Miners’ Hall and its future activities, including through a community network launched in April this year.”

Secretary Alan Mardghum said the handover was “a historic day for the association and our communities as we take this vital step in ensuring the future of the hall.

“Today, we return Redhills to the people,” he said.

“We know that Redhills will be in safe hands and will serve our people for generations to come.”

The Durham Miners’ Gala will take place next year on Saturday, July 9, after an absence of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It will be dedicated to Britain’s key workers.

DMA said in a statement: “When the Gala returns in 2022, key workers will be centre stage.

“Carers and bus drivers, delivery workers and nurses, shop staff and teachers — everyone who has risked their lives to keep society functioning throughout the pandemic will be celebrated.”