Clipstone nearly closed 10 years ago

Clipstone Colliery was originally closed almost 10 years ago under British Coal's shutdown programme.

However businessman Richard Budge leased the pit and re-opened it with a smaller workforce.

That lease has now run out and the 80-year-old mine closed on Thursday, meaning no more work for 170 miners.

Some workers are staying for another week to help salvage equipment, but most have hung up their lamps and are looking for jobs elsewhere.

The closure was expected and many workers have transferred to other mines.

A makeshift job centre has been set up on site by Job Centre Plus.

Agency spokesman Babu Ganatra said: "The majority of the miners transferred to other collieries, but we have placed around 48 people into work or training."