16 Dec 2010

Mine families to visit site on Christmas Day

12:04 pm on 16 December 2010

Some families of those who were killed in the Pike River Coal mine will visit the site on Christmas Day.

Twenty-nine men died in explosions that began on 19 November, and work continues to stabilise the mine to allow the recovery of their bodies.

Bernie Monk, whose son Michael perished in the mine, says people wept at the family briefing at which the offer was made.

Mr Monk says his family will be taking up the offer, and would like to thank those on the West Coast and throughout New Zealand for their incredible support.