A FORMER Coal Queen is back in the spotlight next weekend.

Margaret Lister, who was crowned National Coal Queen in 1972, will be at the National Coal Mining Museum near Grange Moor to open the 2013 Miners’ Gala.

The gala includes a host of events including music from Emley Brass Band, a mini farm with goats, sheep and pigs, children’s sports day races, displays and the return of the museum’s knitted vegetable competition.

The event is free and runs from 11am to 4.45pm on Sunday, June 9.