A FORMER miner turned local historian has published his latest book on the mining industry in East Lancashire.

Jack Nadin has written books on the mines of East Lancashire in the past, and his latest offering explores the history of Bank Hall Colliery.

"The History of Burnley's Grandest Pit" is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives in the quest for coal at the pit between its opening in the mid 1860s and closure in 1971. At least 30 miners were killed during the pit's life.

Last year Jack published Happy Valley No More about Hapton Valley Colliery in time for the 40th anniversary of the tragedy at the pit and donated the proceeds of all sales to the Hapton Valley Colliery Disaster Fund.

Nineteen men died in the disaster at Hapton Valley pit on March 22, 1962, when a huge explosion ripped through the No 2 coal face.

Every year on the nearest Sunday to the anniversary, a procession makes its way up Rossendale Road to Burnley Cemetery.

Jack worked in the mine from 1964-1970, arriving two years after 'Burnley's Blackest Day'.

"The History of Burnley's Grandest Pit" is Jack's fifth book on mining. His previous titles, The Coal Mines of East Lancashire, Hapton Valley Colliery -- A History of an East Lancashire Coal Mine, and Coal Mines Around Accrington and Blackburn have all sold well, but it his latest project which he is hoping will be the most successful.

The book is on sale at Burnley Central Library and Bookmark in Rosegrove Lane priced £4.60. Copies can also be ordered direct from Jack on 01282 454927.