A CHAINSAW sculptor spent his Friday carving a bust of a miner on Mosley Common village green.

The work was commissioned by Mosley Common in Bloom - who have been trying to raise awareness of the vast mining heritage of the area - and created by Andy Burgess.

Residents turned out in force to witness the carving despite the weather.

One resident Edith Thomas said: “It’s been the talk of the common and has stirred up so many emotional memories for so many people.”

The group took advice from resident and ex-miner Brian Grundy to ensure that the sculpture was facing in the direction of the old colliery.

MCIB member John Worrall said: “The mining heritage of our area is very important to our group and we aim to increase awareness particularly among young people.”

Primary schools pupils also attended the event while media pupils from Fred Longworth High School videoed the work in progress.