The Last Miners

It’s the end of an era for the miners of Kellingley
(Image credit: BBC/Keo Films/Roger Tiley)

It's the end of an era for the miners of Kellingley

'Pit men aren’t shy’, says Kellingley Colliery assistant manager Pete. 'Whenever there’s a camera available, they do try their best to get on it.'

And there are plenty of cameras about as the media turn out in force for the final day at 'the big K', the UK’s last deep mine.

But after the final lump of coal is cut, the fans have been turned off and the shafts sealed, what happens to the men who expected the colliery to see their working lives out?

The answer is: they look for new jobs. But for Sheldon, Jonesy, Kev and the rest of this hugely likeable band of brothers – most of them in their 50s – this won't be easy.

Don't worry, there's a silver lining along with the dark clouds in this funny, sad and very touching farewell.