TRIBUTES have been paid to Freeminer Robin Morgan who died last week at the age of 80.

Mr Morgan purchased Hopewell Colliery, some 23 years ago and only sold it last year although, he continued to work there until last Wednesday - the day before he died.

While the mine continues to produce coal, it also operates as a museum, giving visitors guided tours underground.

Mr Morgan starting working underground with his brother by taking time off school at the age of 13.

He was eventually registered as Freeminer No.4215 on July 1, 1975.

Rich Daniels, who was working with him at Hopewell the day before he died, said: “It came as a complete shock to us all here.

“We turned up for work on Friday as usual and when Robin had not arrived by nine we knew something must be wrong. Then we heard that he had died just the day before.

“Typically, he was working right up until the last. You could say he died with his boots on, which is what he would have wanted.”

Daniel Howell, Deputy Gaveller for the Forest of Dean, said: “He was from the generation of miners that were expected to keep going - defiant of all mortality.”

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