Midsomer Norton town centre welcomed the arrival of two metal miners this afternoon, thanks to Somerset District Miner’s Welfare Trust and Midsomer Norton Town Council.

On Wednesday, 22nd November, past miners and Town Councillors gathered in The Hollies Garden to watch the installation of a metal miner, designed and installed by Dave and Kate Speed.

The metal miners, which can be seen scattered around the area, celebrate the regions mining heritage, marking fifty years since the last Somerset coal mine was closed.

Dave Speed, the brains behind the design and exectution of the metal miners, told The Journal at the installation: "Working with the Somerset District Miner’s Welfare Trust has been great, I have loved designing the miners in keeping with our local heritage.

"I have been working with Mo and Bryn [Somerset District Miner’s Welfare Trus] from the beginning, coming up with the drawings and designs to depict the mining industry as it should be."

Bryn Hawkins, Chairman told The Journal: "The Somerset Miners Welfare Trust trustees were delighted to be there at the installation of their latest metal miner in the middle of Midsomer Norton, he looks splendid on the green in front of Sainsbury.

"Martin Thatcher Town Councillor received the miner on behalf of the Council from the SMWT. A second one at the entrance of South Road was also installed. Trustees in attendance Bryn Hawkins, Mo Duery, Denis Chedgy and Selwyn Rees."

Dave has designed mini-miners for locals to purchase for just £50.