AN ORIGINAL ‘hooter’ that sounded to signal the start and finish of shifts down the last deep mine in the Forest could resurface on Christmas Eve.

Rev Nick Bromfield, of Forest Church Drybrook, held a special service on Sunday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of Northern United at Hawkwell.

He said: “We think we know where the hooter is and hope to sound it on Christmas Eve, which marks the day the mine closed in 1965.”

Around 65 people celebrated past and present mining in the Forest.

Cinderford Town Mayor, Cllr Max Coborn and Cllr Graham Morgan went to the memorial at the pithead for a wreath laying ceremony. Afterwards there were refreshments at Cinderford RFC where a celebratory cake was cut.

Rev Bromfield added: “It was great to see the special service attended by miners as well as those who are involved in the mining heritage in the Forest.

“The miners were able to recall their experiences of working in the mines including Northern United.

"It was a lovely day to remember our heritage.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.