Pride group's first Durham Miners' Gala 'fabulous'
BBCCrowds have gathered in the sun to watch brass bands, trade unions, pride groups and pit banners come together for the 139th Durham Miners' Gala.
This year's event marked the 41st anniversary of the miners' strike and saw a lively parade pass through the streets of Durham earlier.
It is the first time Pride have been designated a block of the parade and Mel Metcalf, chair of Durham Pride, said it "meant an awful lot" to be invited.
"To be here with Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners (LGSM), where it all started in 1984 and 1985 during the strike, it's fabulous," he said.
Mr Metcalf said, whose father and grandfather were miners, said it was his first time at the gala.
He said: "It means an awful lot to be here because of the history.
"It was a strange combination back in the 80s and social media pages have lit up because of the connection."
Mr Metcalf said that people forget that Mike Jackson a co-founder of LGSM, was at the strike back in the 80s.
He said: "It's inspiring to see him and the team, but also inspiring that Durham Miners' Association have invited us in recognition of that connection.
"Solidarity is a word that is going to be used well today."
MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East Kate Osborne was pleased to see the LGBT block as part of the parade.
She said there is a "close association between the miners and the LGBT community".
"It's massive, that's not to say that LGBT people have not been here for many years," she said.
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