A permanent memorial to Gomersal Colliery could be built in the grounds of Birstall's Oakwell Hall.

Shafts from the former pit - which closed down in 1973 - stand directly beneath the country hall's car park, where it is hoped the memorial will be.

The mine was a major employer in its heyday with about 380 miners, yet there is nothing to show it even existed. Spen Valley Civic Society is now hoping to build a permanent landmark over the mineshaft to commemorate it.

Former miner Fred Knox, of Lynwood Close, Birkenshaw, worked in the mine from 1953 until its closure. He is glad that at last it will be remembered.

He said: "It is an important part of the heritage around here but the only reference to it is at Gomersal's Red House Museum.

"Gomersal was a good pit to work for because everybody worked together as a team. On an average day I would crawl 200 yards in about a space of 25 inches. I would be in the mine from 6.30am to 3pm with just a headlamp."

He said the pit was sunk in 1916 and the sellable output of coal brought to the surface varied from almost 167,000 tons in 1966 to 88,000 in 1971 - a year of severe production problems.

As safety officer Mr Knox could only remember two bad accidents in the mine - when a miner fell down a 60 yard shaft between a cage and a wall, and when a miner was killed by a falling cage.

The Civic Society hopes to erect a commemorative sculpture by spring 2002. Members are to approach former miners to ask for their ideas.

Society secretary Jennifer Alderson said: "The sculpture has to be big enough so that someone doesn't walk away with it, but we want something a bit different to the usual pit memorials."

The pit was closed due to safety concerns and because of a decline in demand for coal.

The society is considering approaching nearby schools to help put together the exhibition which would be sited in a disused office which stands over the mineshaft.

Eric Brown, head ranger at Oakwell Hall, is now examining possible grant sources.