Welsh Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Brian Gibbons, visited the Mine Rescue Service centre in Dinas in Rhondda yesterday to see mine rescue training in action.

The only facility of its kind in Wales the Mines Rescue Service provides specialist training in deep mine rescue techniques. It also provides a rescue service to coal, stone and storage mines in Wales.

During the visit the Minister was able to see the London Fire Bridge undertaking training and was given an overview of the breadth and depth of the work of the centre.

The centre provides specialist training including the use of breathing apparatus, tunnelling, shoring, working in confined spaces, first aid and health and safety.

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The Mines Rescue Service currently provides emergency rescue cover for the five coal mines in South Wales, Tower at Hirwaun, Aberpergwym and Unity (Pentreclwdau) at Glynneath, Blaentillery at Blaenavon, Nanthir at Banwen Seven Sisters and Black Barn at Pontypool. They also cover several working stone mines and storage mines, plus a stabilisation project at Coombedown, Bath.

The centre at Dinas is one four mines rescue centres in England and Wales. At Dinas there are 18 full-time rescue personnel providing 24 hour cover for 365 days a year. The full time staff are supported by part-time rescuers based at the collieries.

The Mine Rescue Service is funded by a levy on each tonne of coal produced. In recent years they have also been successful in raising extra revenue through running specialist-training courses. Training now provides 75 per cent of their income.

Speaking at the centre Brian Gibbons said: "The Mines Rescue Service provide key specialist training in Wales that is unique. The fact that the London Fire Brigade train here in Wales demonstrates the contribution that the centre makes.

"It is good to know that we have such well-trained specialists standing by to carry out rescues if the worst happens in a mine in Wales."

(JM)