Energy minister Peter Hain has set out a £8 million aid package aimed at safeguarding hundreds of coal mining jobs, with four pits in south Wales the main beneficiaries.

The package is designed to bring stability to the long term future the industry.

Making the announcement during a visit to Betws Colliery, Ammanford, Hain said: "This government understands that keeping viable pits alive is absolutely essential to the everyday fabric of mining communities."

"The money will protect hundreds of vital mining jobs in south Wales valleys which suffer from areas of high unemployment," he added.

In Wales, Betws Colliery is to receive £870,000, while Tower Colliery and an open cast pit, both in Aberdare, will receive almost £3 million and £2.7 million respectively. Blaentillary Colliery in Bargoed will secure £113,000 with pits in Northumberland, the Midlands and Yorkshire set to receive a further £1.5 million.

The scheme, which has received European Commission backing in principle though individual payments still await approval, has been set up to help viable operations overcome short term problems created by low coal prices and a loss of market share to gas fired power stations.