FOLLOWING the death of Eric Morris, Chairman of the 'Forest of Dean Small Mines Association', the remaining members of the organisation have named his successor.

At a meeting, that was held at the Hopewell Mining Museum the group, known widely as the Freeminers Association, elected Mike Howell of Morse's Level Mine as their new chairman. He takes over the post immediately from the previous chairman, who had held the job for over 40 years, before his sudden death.

Mr Howell, who, it is reported, 'has held interests in the mining industry in the Forest for many years', is the son of the former Deputy Gaveller of the Forest, Mr Albert Howell MBE, born in Coalway, who held that post for many years.

In a statement, the organisation reported that: "The Association has represented the interest of the working small coal mines in the Forest since before the nationalisation of the coal mining industry in the 1940s, and is affiliated to the Federation of Independent Mines of Great Britain. Regular dialogue is held with all the associated statutory bodies in the UK."