A DEADLINE for claims is closing for families of dead miners who suffered from an industrial disease.

The Government is allowing relatives of workers from the Kent Coalfield who suffered from Vibration White Finger to make claims for compensation.

But claimants have only until January 31 and Neille Ryan, a partner with Canterbury firm Furley Page Solicitors, is urging them to come forward now.

He said: "If the miner worked in the coal mining industry for 12 months after 1 January 1975 and the family recall him suffering from whitening, tingling or numbness of the fingers then Furley Page Solicitors urge them to think about claiming.

"However, you must act quickly as there is a very tight deadline for these claims of 31 January 2003, the end of this month."

If you want advice about claiming contact Furley Page Solicitors on their free phone number 0800 731 0358.

* Kent Coalfield had four pits: Betteshanger, Snowdown, Chislet and Tilmanstone. The final colliery at Betteshanger closed in 1989