A much-loved NUM banner has gone missing.
National Union of Mineworkers members are appealing for the safe return of the Goldthorpe branch banner which bears the words 'Coal not dole' and an image of miners at work.
NUM member John 'Inky' Thomson said the banner was last seen about 18 months ago in the Dearne Community Theatre in Goldthorpe where the NUM had been running advice surgeries.
"They can remember someone borrowing it but no-one signed it out and no-one fetched it back," he said. The NUM appealed for information and although some people came forward, the leads went nowhere.
Mr Thomson said: "It could be that it was borrowed for a celebration or a gala and then inadvertently it wasn't returned. It might be rolled up in someone's garage or attic and we are desperate to get it back because it's part of our heritage for future generations."
He added: "I don't believe anyone would deliberately have kept it."
People ask to borrow NUM banners for all kinds of occasions such as funerals, galas and reunions, he added.
