In these pictures taken from our archive, we take a look back at Wigan’s rich mining heritage, as well as scenes from miners’ strikes over the decades when coal was king.
17. Miners' families enjoy their annual children's party in Wigan 1985. (Pic: Gary Brunskill)
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18. Retired miner Jack Dearnley joins some of the weekend residents at Bickershaw (undated)
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19. Miners on one of their last shifts at Parkside Colliery, Newton-le-Willows
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20. Years ago thousands of Wigan miners "in their black faces" trudged home through the Wigan streets. Here are four smiling miners in the canteen of Golborne Colliery in the 1960s.
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