Staffordshire village remembers WW1 coal mine disaster

During World War One thousands of people contributed to the war effort by carrying out crucial jobs at home, including coal-mining.

In January 1918 an explosion ripped through Minnie Pit in the Staffordshire village of Halmer End.

The community lost 156 men and boys in the disaster. Forty-four of those killed were under 16 years old.

Local historian Christine Lamb lost three great-uncles in the disaster, and said almost every house would have lost a loved one.