HISTORY has been brought back to life at a 19th century lead mine in the North Pennines.

Park Level Mine at Killhope was once at the heart of a thriving lead industry across the North Pennine dales.

And Dales ponies were as common a sight as the human workforce, transporting lead ore from the mine to smelt mills.

On Friday, three ponies from the national Dales Pony Society visited the site, now long-established as Killhope Lead Mining Museum.

Wearing traditional harnesses and panniers, the ponies were accompanied by society members in traditional costume.

The event was part of the society’s centenary celebrations this year, and was well attended by members of the public.

Society representatives spoke to visitors about the ponies, which are a rare native breed of the North-East.

Anna Pennell, of the Dales Pony Society, said: “It was an extremely busy and successful day with several hundred members of public enjoying the sunny day at Killhope.

“It was such an honour to be allowed to bring the ponies back to Killhope, to meet so many interested members of the public and talk to them about the Dales pony.”

The previous day, Tarbarl Dales in Allendale had opened its stable doors to over 40 visitors, including those from as far afield as Germany and America, to meet a small team of Dales mares and foals.

And other centenary events have been taking place across the North of England.

The Dales pony is one of the United Kingdom’s native mountain and moorland pony breeds.

It is known for its strength, hardiness, stamina, courage, intelligence and good disposition.