THE 20th anniversary of the closure of Grimethorpe pit was marked in Westminster.

Michael Dugher, MP for Barnsley East, hosted an event in Parliament to mark the closure of the pit and Grimethorpe’s revival.

The event, organised by Mel Dyke, ASOS and Mr Dugher, was designed to pay tribute to Grimethorpe’s proud industrial history and the incredible resilience of the community.

There were readings from Mel Dyke, Jane Godber, Simon Hirst, Nathan King, Jack Land-Noble and Benny Watson. Emily Walker also sang.

The event was attended by MPs, Lords, as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire and the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnsley Ken and Nadia Richardson.

A variety of other guests attended including members of the cast of Brassed Off, including Stephen Tompkinson, Jim Carter and Philip Jackson.

Mr Dugher said: “Our industrial heritage in South Yorkshire is incredibly important.

"This was a great event and a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to the incredible resilience of a community. All of those who spoke were brilliant and the variety of people who were at the event from Calendar Girls to the cast of Brassed Off is a testament to Grimethorpe.

“Mel Dyke is an incredibly passionate champion for the area. Her books ‘Barnsley and Beyond’ and ‘Grimethorpe Revival’ are so important in remembering the past and in helping future generations.

"She has done an amazing job in keeping the past and those memories alive, to be cherished for future generations.

“ASOS are an example of the kind of business that this area now attracts. Their ceo Nick Robertson moved its distribution centre here in 2010 and the business has gone from strength to strength.

"ASOS only recently announced a planned expansion of the site by 25 per cent - which will only add to the 3,000 jobs they already bring to the area.”