THE National Union of Mineworkers has set an October 31 deadline for miners to claim compensation.

Billy Kelly, the Lancashire area general secretary, fears thousands of potential claimants could miss out on claims for Vibration White Finger.

He said: "With the cut off date so close, I am anxious to get the message across that claimants must get their applications in immediately."

The NUM says that any pitman who used vibratory tools in the mines after 1975 and is now having problems with their hands should seek advice from the union's legal service. There is a free phone advice line available on 0800 073 2101.

The NUM statement not only covers claims for VWF, but also for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. A deadline for these claims could be imminent.

To pursue compensation for these conditions, miners must have worked for the NCB/British Coal after June 1954. Again the NUM advises claiming immediately. For further advice contact 0800 073 67 67.

The NUM is engaged in an investigation over compensation claims for various mining related diseases. For some mineworkers successful court rulings have come too late.

However, Mr Kelly said: ''What is not commonly known is that it may be possible for claims to be made by the next of kin, be they widows, sons, daughters or grandchildren. I would urge everyone to check with the union's helplines."