THE last coal mine in Kirklees will get a Government cash boost to save jobs.

Privately-owned Hay Royds Colliery at Clayton West will get £140,000 from the Coal Investment Aid Scheme.

The family-run drift mine has 24 employees and produces 40,000 tonnes of coal a year.

The pit has to find the remaining £320,000 for its plans to upgrade a coal preparation plan.

When the boost was first announced, managing director David Flack said the money would have to be found either by borrowing or generating cash from operations.

"The investment is needed to help the business continue," he said.

Energy minister Stephen Timms said nationally more than 3,500 jobs would be safeguarded and a further 100 created with the £36.4m for ten pits, including Hay Royds.

Mr Flack, travelled to London yesterday to receive an OBE. He is vice-chairman of the Federation of Independent Mines and was honoured for his work on mine safety.

Coal has been worked at Hay Royds since 1908.

Mr Timms said coal still played a vital part in the UK's energy, accounting for 35% of electricity supplied in the UK.