Woodhorn Colliery used to employ more than 2,000 men

Woodhorn Colliery closed in the early 1980s and opened as a museum in 1989.

At its height, the colliery employed 2,500 men, and an ambitious plan to ensure the rich mining heritage of the area will not be forgotten, is set to be discussed.

The new plans - which depend on a Lottery bid - include a �15m heritage and cultural centre.

County councillors are meeting on Tuesday and are expected to agree to visit the site and also to hold a public meeting if it is needed.

Artist group

It is hoped a new futuristic building - housing mining memorabilia from across Northumberland - will be built next to the old pit heads.

The new building may also provide a home for the Northumberland mining banners and the Pitmen Painters collection.

The Pitmen Painters were a group of Northumberland miners who founded the Ashington Art Group in the 1930s and who took as their subject everyday life in their mining community.

The colliery museum already holds a major collection of their work.