THE family of a local mining hero gathered around to celebrate his life as an episode of TV show The Repair Shop he recorded prior to his death finally aired on Wednesday.

John Beard, alongside close friend and fellow former miner John Greaves who together started Mining Memorabilia To Lend with the aim of ‘keeping mining alive’ by taking relics from mines to local schools and care homes recorded an episode of the BBC show last September.

In the episode, the pair took an antique serviette which was created following the West Stanley pit disaster in 1909, when 168 people died, to be restored by professional crafts people.

Tragically, Mr Beard never got to see his prime-time appearance, as he died in March at the age of 64.

This didn’t stop those close to him tuning in on Wednesday to see him share his passion for mining history.

His daughter, Laura Cook, told the Chronicle: “They did the filming just as my dad started to become unwell but he was determined to do it.

“It was a very difficult and emotional watch for us, however it was a beautiful testament to the man he was, the strength and courage he had and his lasting legacy of always helping others.

“I thought they did a wonderful job of restoring the serviette and giving it a new lease of life.

“Hopefully, John Greaves can get it back to West Stanley and continue the wonderful work he does, sharing his wealth of knowledge of his mining heritage.”