Over the past five years, the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Coalfields Partnership has invested �2.8m into regeneration projects.

Schemes have included providing new education and training opportunities along with environmental initiatives.

There have also been new community centres built at Coton-in the Elms and the Old Post Office in Newall.

Projects such the National Forest have been supported, to restore the landscape around old collieries.

Many old mining communities have been affected by crime and falling population associated with economic decline.