Doncaster's last ever piece of coal set to return to village where it was mined

The last piece of coal from Hatfield Main pit will take pride of place in Stainforth on June 7 after a campaign by locals and Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband to see it back on home soil.

The lump was handed to Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones in a handover at the pit in 2015 and has been on show at Doncaster Museum ever since.

Now it will take centre stage at a mining heritage display at Stainforth Community Library.

Community organisation Stainforth 4 All, which has helped organise the transfer, described it as “exciting news” and added: “The last piece of coal from Hatfield Main is coming back to Stainforth!

“We will proudly receive this iconic symbol of our heritage on loan from Doncaster Museum."

"Join us in celebrating this historic moment and honour our community's rich history.”

Mr Miliband said: “This is fantastic news. I am so pleased that this last piece of coal will be returning to Stainforth.

“It was a privilege to see Stainforth 4 All’'s exhibit on our mining history when I visited recently and this will be a great addition to their displays.”

Hatfield Colliery closed in June 2015 with the loss of 430 jobs after almost a century of production.

John Grogan, chairman of the Hatfield Employee Benefit Trust, which has run the mine since 2013, said it was "the end of an era".

"We're presenting this piece of coal as a symbol of our respect for all the miners who have gone before us in South Yorkshire and helped build the economy of our country and keep the lights on for many decades."

Accepting the gift the Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: "On behalf of Doncaster and South Yorkshire I'm humbled to accept this."

First sunk in 1916, work at the pit initially stopped in 2001 but was later re-opened by mining magnate Richard Budge, reopening in 2006.

The mine, which also featured in South Yorkshire movie Brassed Off, eventually closed for good in 2015.