A North Yorkshire colliery earmarked for closure in 2004 may be shut four months earlier than expected, coal bosses have admitted.

Miners at Wistow, one of four in the Selby complex, have been told it could cease production in November or December.

A survey carried out on the mine revealed there were serious geological problems.

But a spokesman for UK Coal said the company was looking at ways of keeping the pit running until 2004.

Decision expected

The spokesman told BBC News Online: "We are looking at a range of options in a bid to maintain the March 2004 closure programme.

"Those options are being evaluated and we expect to make a decision in the next few weeks.

"We have told the employees that there is a problem which we are trying to resolve.

"If we can't find a viable solution then there is a chance the complex will cease production in November or December.

More than 1,500 miners are employed at the Selby complex which consists of Wistow, Stillingfleet, Riccall, and Gascoigne Wood.

Careers advice

Last year they were told the pits would shut and they have expressed shock and disappointment at the prospect of the closing date being brought forward.

One told BBC North Yorkshire: "I would like to see the pit stay open a bit longer because I think there is coal they can get.

"But people seem to be resigned to the fact that Wistow is going to close and that's the end of it."

The Coalfield Regeneration Trust has opened an office in Selby's Finkle Street offering pitmen advice about future careers.