Family 'caring for the legacy of their ancestors' who died in pit disasters

Three people from Australia and New Zealand have flown thousands of miles to Wearside after an incredible discovery in their family trees.

- by Chris Cordner

Caron, Vanessa and Frances Ball are spending time in the North East after learning their ancestors died in two different disasters at the same pit.

They are all direct descendants of John Ball and Jared Septimus Harbin Ball, whom were both killed in mining accidents at Usworth Colliery in 1885 and 1913.

The discovery was made by former Boldon Colliery man and RAF veteran Edmund Smith, who has recently found out that Caron is his third cousin.

He said: "Their journey from the other side of the world to honour a three times great-grandfather who died in this local disaster creates a truly compelling story."

Edmund has spent five years researching his family history and added: "It's fascinating to see how the pieces are finally coming together.